THE Russian State Ballet of Siberia returns to Bristol as part of a nationwide tour this Festive Season, bringing to life two of the world’s most beautiful and popular ballets with exquisite traditional productions.

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, the company is proud of its dancers who 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 soloists and corps de ballet are superb, delighting audiences with their breath-taking physical ability and dazzling costumes as each storyline unfolds to the live accompaniment of the Russian State Ballet Orchestra of Siberia. The company comprises over 40 dancers and 30 musicians and the 2015 tour will be their thirteenth visit to the UK.

Swan Lake, Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 January, is the greatest romantic ballet of all time, brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

This is followed by The Nutcracker, with performances at 2.30 and 7.30pm on Thursday, January 8. The Nutcracker is the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...

For tickets and more details, please visit www.atgtickets.com