BALLET GALA EVENING “DENIS RODKIN AND FRIENDS”

On December 10, the State Kremlin Palace will host the traditional festive concert Christmas Ballet Gala. This year’s program will feature Bolshoi Theatre principal dancer Denis Rodkin and his friends — talented artists beloved by audiences around the world. Renowned dancers and Bolshoi Theatre principals Denis Rodkin, Mikhail Lobukhin, and Semyon Chudin will perform virtuoso choreographic numbers that never fail to captivate audiences. They will be joined by celebrated Bolshoi prima ballerinas Eleonora Sevenard and Nina Kaptsova. The country’s main stage will also welcome Mariinsky Theatre soloists Renata Shakirova and Alexey Timofeyev, as well as Mikhailovsky Theatre star Anastasia Smirnova.

Winners of prestigious international competitions have prepared the program Denis Rodkin and Friends, showcasing a variety of styles within classical dance. The finest choreographic miniatures from the world’s ballet heritage will intertwine with bold and daring contemporary pieces, offering a fresh perspective on this art form. The audience will enjoy a true celebration of ballet, bringing together the great classical tradition and contemporary choreography. The evening will be held as part of the annual Christmas gala project featuring stars of world ballet and will become one of the most significant events in Moscow’s cultural calendar.

“Denis Rodkin… Big, powerful, handsome. He made a strong impression!” — The New York Times once wrote about the dancer. Denis is distinguished not only by his striking appearance and impressive height, but also by his exceptional talent, dedication, and discipline. His repertoire includes the roles of Prince Siegfried and the Evil Genius in Swan Lake, Basilio in Don Quixote, Solor in La Bayadère, Prince Désiré in The Sleeping Beauty, Count Albert in Giselle, Prince Kurbsky in Ivan the Terrible, Spartacus, and the Nutcracker Prince. Despite widespread acclaim and international demand, Denis continues to refine his craft and delight audiences with new artistic achievements.

Christmas Ballet Gala has become an annual celebration of ballet and a meeting place with world-class performers, reflecting the creative interests and trends of contemporary choreographic art. This year, 6,000 spectators will once again witness an unforgettable ballet celebration. Christmas Ballet Gala is the perfect gift before the New Year for everyone who appreciates the finest in the performing arts.