The Mariinsky Theatre opened it doors in 1860 and immediately became a cultural centerpiece, highlighting Russia’s achievements in the world of music, theatre and literature. The dazzling azure blue and gold auditorium, which seats 1700, is home to the celebrated Kirov Opera and Ballet Company. Accompanied by the Mariinsky Theatre Special Guide, you will visit the areas that are usually inaccessible to the general public. There is a lot to see on both sides of the curtain: stage

machinery, engineering devices, costume storages and the set-design workshop, which is located right under the theatre cupola. You will look at the stage from the Tsar’s Box and visit the splendid White Hall at the foyer where Russian Tsars spent time during intermissions.

Another very special visit on this tour is to the Leonid Jacobson Ballet School. The Leonid Jakobson Ballet School was founded in 1994 on the basis of the “Choreographic Miniatures” Academic Ballet House and was named after the artistic Director of that troupe. In 1997, the Ballet School established its own premises, with the highest level of professional facilities for the education of ballet students.

After the guided tour of the school premises, you’ll attend a ballet class of students from various grades (15 min) and a concert including pieces from classic ballets and modern choreography (40 min).

A distinguishing feature of the school is the age of its students, who start at the age of 6 or 7 – not аt 10 as has been done traditionally.

Classic ballet is inseparable from the most refined elements of Russian character. The Open Russian Ballet Tour will provide you with a rare behind the scenes look and a heightened appreciation of what it takes to develop the qualities to become a star of the Russian ballet stage.

Combine the Mariinsky Ballet Tour with outher sightseeing tours of St Petersburg. Call us for details