Saint Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia, is synonymous with world-class ballet. The city is home to a long tradition of classical ballet, dating back to the 18th century, and continues to be a hub for this art form today. The stunning theaters and iconic venues where ballet performances take place are themselves works of art, adding to the allure of the experience. Whether you’re a ballet enthusiast or a first-time attendee, there are several incredible venues in Saint Petersburg where you can witness the beauty and grace of classical Russian ballet in its birthplace.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to see classical Russian ballet in Saint Petersburg, each offering a unique experience and showcasing the talent of some of the world’s finest dancers.
1. The Mariinsky Theatre: The Heart of Russian Ballet
The Home of Russian Ballet Tradition
No list of venues to see classical Russian ballet in Saint Petersburg would be complete without the Mariinsky Theatre. One of the most famous and prestigious theaters in the world, the Mariinsky Theatre is deeply ingrained in Russian cultural history. Originally known as the Kirov Theatre during the Soviet era, it has long been a symbol of Russian ballet excellence and is considered the spiritual home of the Russian Ballet School.
The theater hosts performances of classical ballets by choreographers such as Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as well as contemporary works. The Mariinsky is home to the famous Mariinsky Ballet, a company known for its impeccable technique, stunning performances, and deep connection to Russian ballet tradition. Watching a ballet here is an unforgettable experience, with the theater’s opulent interiors, outstanding acoustics, and rich history.
Must-See Highlights
- Mariinsky Ballet: The world-renowned ballet company performs classical masterpieces like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Coppélia.
- The Building’s History: Explore the opulent interior of this historic venue, which dates back to the 19th century.
- Guest Performances: The Mariinsky Theatre also hosts international ballet companies, adding an extra layer of variety and excellence to its programming.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check the Mariinsky’s performance schedule in advance, as the ballet season runs year-round, and tickets can sell out quickly for popular shows. For the best experience, consider booking seats in the stalls or the orchestra pit.
2. The Hermitage Theatre: A Historic Venue for Ballet Performances
A Royal Connection to Russian Ballet
Located within the famous Hermitage Museum, the Hermitage Theatre is one of the oldest and most beautiful venues for ballet in Saint Petersburg. Built in the 18th century under the orders of Catherine the Great, this stunning theater was originally intended for the imperial court. It continues to operate today as a venue for performances, including classical ballet and opera.
The Hermitage Theatre offers an intimate setting for ballet lovers, with its elegant design, luxurious decorations, and historical ambiance. The performances here are often by the Hermitage Theatre Company, which regularly puts on productions of classical Russian ballets and more contemporary works. Due to its smaller size, the theater creates an up-close and personal experience with the dancers, making it a favorite among ballet connoisseurs.
Must-See Highlights
- Intimate Performances: Enjoy performances in an intimate, historical setting, where every movement is visible and every emotion is palpable.
- Classical Ballet Repertoire: The Hermitage Theatre stages a selection of classical works, often including Russian ballet masterpieces.
- Exclusive Performances: Given its location inside the Hermitage Museum, performances here sometimes feature exclusive guest performances and events.
Insider Tip: This venue is much smaller than the Mariinsky Theatre, so tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Make sure to book early for the best seats in the house.
3. The Alexandrinsky Theatre: A Hub for Classical Dance
A Stunning Example of Imperial Architecture
The Alexandrinsky Theatre, one of the oldest theaters in Russia, has long been a cornerstone of Saint Petersburg’s theatrical and ballet scene. Built in the 19th century, the theater is an architectural masterpiece, with its neoclassical facade and grand interior. Though primarily known for its dramatic performances, the Alexandrinsky Theatre also hosts ballet performances, including both classical and contemporary works.
The theater is home to the Saint Petersburg State Academic Theatre of Drama, but ballet performances are frequently held here, often as part of broader cultural events. While not as renowned for ballet as the Mariinsky Theatre, the Alexandrinsky Theatre still offers exceptional performances, with a focus on traditional Russian dance.
Must-See Highlights
- Classic Ballet Performances: Experience ballet performances in a historic theater with superb acoustics and classic Russian works, often including Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
- Impressive Architecture: Admire the beautiful neoclassical architecture of the theater and its intricate interior design.
- Access to Other Performances: The Alexandrinsky Theatre also hosts drama productions and cultural events, making it a versatile cultural hub.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting the Alexandrinsky Theatre, consider taking a backstage tour of the historic venue to learn about its rich history and significance in Russian performing arts.
4. The Mariinsky II: A Modern Ballet Experience
The Contemporary Sister to the Mariinsky Theatre
For those who want to experience classical ballet in a more modern setting, the Mariinsky II is an excellent choice. Opened in 2013 as an expansion of the Mariinsky Theatre, Mariinsky II was designed with state-of-the-art facilities and acoustics, while still retaining the grandeur of its sister venue. It is a cutting-edge space that regularly hosts ballet performances by the Mariinsky Ballet, as well as international ballet companies.
While the Mariinsky Theatre retains its classic charm, Mariinsky II is the place to see more innovative and contemporary ballet performances. The venue is known for its modern approach to ballet productions, with larger stages and more experimental choreography.
Must-See Highlights
- Modern Ballet: Watch groundbreaking and contemporary ballet productions by the world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet.
- Innovative Productions: The venue’s contemporary design allows for larger, more immersive performances with advanced staging techniques.
- Famous Guest Performances: Mariinsky II frequently hosts prestigious international ballet companies, making it an excellent place to see new choreographies and global talent.
Insider Tip: The venue’s modern design means every seat offers an excellent view, and the acoustics are top-notch. If you want a more contemporary ballet experience, this is the perfect place to enjoy world-class performances in a modern setting.
5. The Hermitage Theatre: An Imperial Venue for Intimate Ballet Shows
A Beautiful and Intimate Setting
Nestled inside the famous Hermitage Museum, the Hermitage Theatre offers an intimate and historically rich venue for classical ballet. The theater, built in the 18th century, is one of the oldest in Russia and has hosted Russian emperors and aristocrats in the past. Today, the venue continues to offer beautiful ballet performances, often including some of the most famous works from the Russian ballet repertoire.
Because of its smaller size, the Hermitage Theatre provides a more intimate and immersive ballet experience, where you can see the nuances of each performance in exquisite detail. The venue also serves as a cultural hotspot for exclusive events and performances, including some of the most prestigious ballet productions in the city.
Must-See Highlights
- Intimate Ballet Performances: The small-scale setting allows for close-up views of the dancers and a more personal experience.
- Historic Architecture: The Hermitage Theatre’s design and history are deeply connected to Russian imperial culture, making it a visually stunning place to enjoy performances.
- Classical Ballet Works: The theater frequently hosts productions of Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and other Russian ballet masterpieces.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting Saint Petersburg in the winter months, the Hermitage Theatre offers cozy, warm performances that provide a respite from the cold, making it a perfect spot for a cultural escape.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg is a city deeply embedded in the history of classical Russian ballet, and its theaters provide visitors with a rare chance to experience this world-class art form in its cultural home. From the grandeur of the Mariinsky Theatre to the intimate setting of the Hermitage Theatre, there are plenty of options for enjoying ballet performances in the city. Whether you’re watching Swan Lake at the Mariinsky Theatre, experiencing contemporary dance at Mariinsky II, or enjoying a more intimate performance at the Hermitage Theatre, Saint Petersburg offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty and elegance of classical Russian ballet.
