The Russian State Ballet is returning to China for its latest tour, bringing Tchaikovsky’s timeless Swan Lake to the stage. Led by artistic director Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Gordeev—a former Bolshoi Ballet soloist and People’s Artist of the USSR—the company is known for its technical precision and dramatic strength. A classic love story told through graceful movement and stirring music, this production continues the ballet’s 140-year legacy as one of the most enduring works of all time.

The Russian State Ballet, a national-level troupe under the direct leadership of Russia’s Ministry of Culture, brings Swan Lake to China as part of its long-running international tour. Established in 1981, the company has performed in over 80 countries and is recognized for its classical artistry and world-class technical standards. Since its first visit to China in 2003, the troupe has toured nationwide more than ten times, earning praise from hundreds of thousands of Chinese audiences.

The ballet is directed by Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Gordeev, a distinguished dancer and choreographer who was named both People’s Artist of the USSR and People’s Artist of Russia. Formerly a leading soloist and choreographer with the Bolshoi Ballet, Gordeev is celebrated for his passionate, expressive performances and his commitment to preserving and reviving Russian ballet traditions. In recognition of his contribution to the arts, he was personally awarded the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” by President Vladimir Putin in 2008.

The company has received multiple international honors, including gold medals from Italy, the “Golden Ticket Award” in Germany for record-breaking attendance, and the title of “Europe’s Best Ballet Ensemble” from the Western European Association of Agents.

A cultural feast familiar to ballet lovers, Swan Lake remains one of the most frequently performed and beloved ballets in the world since its 1877 debut. With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the ballet blends exquisite choreography with symphonic depth, giving emotional life to the story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. Through graceful dance and evocative music, the Russian State Ballet captures the timeless beauty and emotional power of this classic masterpiece.

Based in Moscow Oblast, the Russian State Ballet continues to uphold the traditions of classical Russian ballet while introducing its artistry to audiences worldwide. The company’s repertoire includes Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker, with every performance marked by technical excellence and expressive depth.

Program:
Swan Lake — Classical ballet in four acts, choreography after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.