The Presidential Library showcases the history of Russian ballet

From May 24 to September 30, 2023 the Presidential Library (Senate Square, 3) displays the exhibition devoted to the anniversary of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. Marking the Year of Teachers and Mentors, the oldest ballet school in Russia, the first in our country and one of the best professional schools in the world, is celebrating 285 years since its foundation.

During this time, the Academy has made a great contribution to the world of choreographic education, has managed to preserve and develop the traditions accumulated by generations of dancers and teachers, has won the recognition of millions of people. Russian ballet has revealed to the world a galaxy of stars that have delighted the public over the epochs: Anna Pavlova, Vaslav Nijinsky, George Balanchine, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, Yuri Grigorovich, Ulyana Lopatkin and many others.

For many years, the staff of the Academy has been collecting and carefully storing objects associated with outstanding people of ballet. The beginning of this collection more than 65 years ago was laid by a graduate of the Academy and a teacher - Marietta Frangopulo. At present, the collection is called "M. Kh. Frangopulo Cabinet of the History of Russian Ballet".

The exhibition at the Presidential Library is a rare opportunity to see part of the unique collection and feel the atmosphere of the glorious past of ballet art.

The exposition features ballet shoes and theatrical costumes, book rarities, original posters and photographs, paintings and sculptures, personal belongings of famous graduates of the Academy.

Among the exhibits are real relics: the corsage of the stage costume of Matilda Kshesinskaya, the make-up box and stage boots of Anna Pavlova, the personal belongings of Agrippina Vaganova, whose name the Academy has been bearing since 1957.

The pearls of the art collection of the Academy are pastels by Vaslav Nijinsky, drawings by Zinaida Serebryakova, who in the early 1920s created a series of works on the theme of ballet.

To visit the exhibition "285 Years of Russian Ballet" one must pre-register by phone: (812) 334-25-14; (812) 305-16-21 (ext. 641); (812) 305-16-21 (ext. 161) or email at excursion@prlib.ru.

Accreditation of media representatives

Please forward applications for accreditation following the attached form marked Media Accreditation at media@prlib.ru, hudjakova@prlib.ru Alexandra Khudyakova, tel.: (812) 305-16-21, ext. 167; mob. +7 (981) 788-28-08.

The letter should contain the full name, date and place of birth, passport data (series, number, place of registration), a list of carry-on equipment, contact phone numbers, the name of the media.

We draw the attention of the media representatives that it is necessary to forward applications for accreditation and arrive at the event in advance.

Entrance to the Presidential Library is carried out only by prior registration and upon showing a passport: for media representatives - through entrance № 2, participants and guests of the event - through entrance № 1.

In order to reduce the risks of the spread of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the use of personal protective equipment during the event is mandatory for all attendees.