In 2008, the Mikhailovsky Ballet made its triumphant debut on the famous stage of La Fenice Theatre in Venice.

Stylish rendition of Giselle, hailed by international press as one of the most gentle and stylish productions of this classical ballet, was presented in Italy to great critical acclaim. On February 12-13, the company performed a specially selected Gala program at Teatro Malibran in Venice. The masterpiece of American choreography The Moor’s Pavane featured Andrey Kasyanenko as the Moor’s Friend, Irina Perren as the Moor’s Wife, Vera Arbuzova as the Friend’s Wife. Artistic director of the Mikhailovsky Ballet Farukh Ruzimatov performed the role of the Moor. He also appeared in Adagietto set to music by Gustav Mahler. Among other artists to participate in the concerts there were world-famous Irina Perren and Marat Shemiunov (Spring Water, chor. by Asaf Messerer) , Anastasia Matvyenko and Mikhail Sivakov (Venice Carnival, chor. by Marius Petipa), Semyon Chudin (partnering Irina Perren in Pas de deux from Don Quixote), Irina Kosheleva (The Swan, chor. by Mikhail Fokine).