RUSSIA’S acclaimed ballet company The Russian State Ballet of Siberia returns to the Bristol Hippodrome this month, accompanied by The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet.

Performing The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Snow Maiden, this will be the Company’s 14th UK tour and will include exquisite performances of the world’s most beautiful and popular ballets and the UK premiere of a brand new production – The Snow Maiden.

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

Commenting on the tour, Sergei Bobrov said ‘It is always a pleasure to bring the unique traditions of Russian Ballet to British audiences. Touring across the UK with a full company of dancers as well as highly skilled musicians is always exciting; for me, it is very special to have the power of a symphony orchestra bringing the choreography to life on stage. I am delighted to present my new staging of The Snow Maiden for the very first time.’

The Nutcracker

This 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...

Swan Lake

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is 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.

The Snow Maiden

Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes in the enchanted Land of Frost. Based on a traditional folk-tale, set in the snow covered landscape of rural Russia, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world. Captivated by the colourful village and the people who live there, she ventures too far and is swept up by feelings of love, temptation and betrayal. When finally she surrenders herself completely and warms to that love, her heart melts in a tragic embrace.

Visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome for tickets and more information.