Oriental rhapsody

On 18 May, the Mikhailovsky Theatre will host the Astana Ballet, a choreographic theatre created at the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. For their first ever performance in Russia, the dancers have prepared a programme called Oriental Rhapsody — a breathtaking production evoking the mysterious world of the East through dance and music. Oriental motifs are amplified by the spectacular set design and original costumes, captured in a strikingly rich palette.

In Kazakhstan, the Astana Ballet is considered to be the choreographic hallmark of the country. The company’s Milky Way programme proved a tremendous success on a recent tour to Beijing and Shanghai. The Oriental Rhapsody programme has been created with Western audiences in mind: after St. Petersburg, the Kazakh company will take the production on to the major European capitals.

Oriental Rhapsody presents choreographic works that draw on Kazakh folk dance traditions, as well as other Asian schools of dance, referencing India, China, Japan, Korea, and Turkey. The programme combines ethnic diversity with the principles of classical dance: the Astana Ballet company is made up of graduates from the Almaty Choreographic School, rooted in the academic tradition.

The highest level of training, richly varied material, and a flair for connecting traditional values with the fast pace of modern life — those are the defining traits of the Astana Ballet’s creative image. Their performance at the Mikhailovsky Theatre promises to be an unforgettable artistic event. The exquisite and varied choreography, paired with sumptuous set design and costumes, is certain to delight all lovers of the performing arts.