Russian Ballet Classics in Thailand

    We at Leonid Yacobson Ballet Theatre are looking forward to our December tour in Thailand, where our shows will feature prominently on the International Ballet Week agenda. This will be the troupe’s first time visiting the Kingdom of Thailand. We will perform in the country’s capital, Bangkok, as well as on the island of Phuket. Thailand was introduced to the Western concept of classical ballet fairly recently, and has rich and unique dance traditions of its own. Thai dances are part of the country’s cultural heritage, and a reflection of its historical journey and national spirit. Some of the dance routines and gesture combinations have been passed down with no alterations for many centuries.

    During the International Ballet Week, the Leonid Yacobson Ballet Theatre will present two classical masterpieces: Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, the most recognisable titles on any Russian theatre’s playbill. The Bangkok shows will take place at the Thailand Cultural Centre, with a capacity of 2,000 people. We will play Swan Lake on 19 December and The Nutcracker on 20 December. Then we will go to Phuket; this will be the island’s first-ever experience welcoming a classical ballet troupe. The venue provided for the shows, Siam Niramit Phuket, is truly luxurious space, and part of the island’s popular interactive ethnographic park. It is commonly used to introduce tourists — who flock to Phuket as a major destination — to Thai history and culture through spectacular performances. Siam Niramit Phuket can also seat about 2,000 people. Many theatre-goers that will come to watch Swan Lake on 23 December or The Nutcracker on 24 December have never seen a Russian ballet before in their life.

    All performances will be accompanied by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, the country’s première music ensemble. The Orchestra is sponsored by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. The daughter of the King of Thailand is a renowned athlete and fashion designer. Her very first fashion show in Paris was arranged by invitation from Pierre Balmain, and ever since then, she has enjoyed a well-earned reputation as one of the most creative clothing designers in South-East Asia. The prestigious orchestra under the Princess’s patronage will be conducted by the inimitable Valery Ovsyannikov, who is always a welcome guest at the best venues in Russia, Europe and the whole world.