SWAN Lake and Coppelia will be performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia when they come to The Hexagon in Reading later in February.  

Formed in 1981, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia has become established as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies.

Based in the city of Krasnoyarsk, in central Siberia, its dancers are highly acclaimed worldwide for their unique interpretation of both dramatic and comic roles, delivering performances of sincere emotional and dramatic integrity.

Since 2002, under the artistic directorship of Sergei Bobrov, leading dancers from across Russia have forged their skills and artistry performing an expanding repertoire of new works and exceptional productions of timeless classics.

The company comprises over 40 dancers and 30 musicians and the 2015 tour will be their thirteenth visit to the UK and according to Sergei has been over a year in the making.

“From the moment of conception of the idea to realization of the performance passes approximately one and a half year,” he said.

Sergei is a former principal dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet and the bond he felt with other dancers is what he says keeps him going through his new role.

“The main remembrance – the feeling that you are part of the great mechanism bound for success. This state is always present with me when I’m working with the Siberian ballet. My favorite role is Rothbart (evil genius) in Swan Lake.”

Ballet is still popular among young people today and Sergei’s advice: “I wish to advise for the young ballerina to be totally focused on the profession; to work hard and try to meet and work with masters.

“And most importantly, to dance well, we should as much as possible to dance on the stage; not thinking about the material benefits in the first step of work.”

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will be at The Hexagon on February 22 with Coppelia and February 23 with Swan Lake. Visit www.readingarts.com

Rebecca Curley