The ongoing Russian ballet tour is making a notable stop in the Republic of Cyprus, with performances scheduled for February 14 and 15. The program features artists from esteemed companies such as the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kremlin Ballet, and the Mikhailovsky Theater Ballet, bringing a high level of classical repertoire and stagecraft to Cypriot audiences. The tour is reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta, referencing the event organizers who have coordinated this multinational spectacle.
Under the banner of Celebration of Love, the tour is framed as an upbeat, gala-focused series of performances that celebrate dance as a shared cultural experience. On the eve of the gala ballet, a public statement by Ruslan Nimchinsky, who serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to Cyprus, drew attention to calls for boycotting Russian cultural events. Despite this pressure, ticket sales reflect robust interest, with many performances selling out and audiences signing up on waiting lists at venues such as the Pattihio Municipal Theater in Limassol. Social media posts and attendee feedback highlight strong positive responses, reinforcing confidence that the full house anticipated for the Nicosia Municipal Theater show will be achieved as well, according to Ekaterina Dementieva, the gala ballet’s organizer.
The tour’s stage extends beyond Cypriot theaters to include companies such as the English National Theatre, Astana Opera, Berlin State Ballet, and Dutch National Ballet. Dementieva notes that the Cypriot audience has long awaited the chance to witness such a diverse assembly of European and international performers on a single platform. She emphasizes a commitment to presenting ballet that speaks to audiences regardless of political currents, hoping that the shared appreciation for dance will stand as a counterpoint to broader debates about culture and politics. The performers, she adds, are connected through a sense of solidarity through the art form, with dancers from Russia and other nations appearing together on the Cyprus stage for the first time in this cohesive collaboration. The shared moments — the artists holding hands and moving in unison — are framed as a testament to the enduring power of culture to bridge differences and celebrate human achievement.
In related news, Yuri Bashmet, a veteran conductor and violist, has commented on the appetite among Russian musicians for reengaging with international audiences after a period of disruption. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among many artists who hope to resume overseas tours and reestablish their presence in global concert halls and theaters. This perspective aligns with the tour’s overarching narrative: that music and dance can transcend borders and politics, offering audiences in Cyprus and beyond a shared experience rooted in artistry, discipline, and mutual respect among performers from diverse backgrounds.