Festive ballets pirouette into the Opera House

Bringing a trio of festive ballets The Russian State Ballet of Siberia help keep the Christmas spirit alight into the New Year.

Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. These three performances are no exception and promise to astound ballet fans new and old.

Firstly the world’s favourite rags to riches fairy-tale Cinderella is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, and lively choreography. Whilst her stepmother and her ill-mannered daughters prepare for the Royal Ball, Cinderella can only dream of dancing with the dashing Prince. Later that evening she is swept magically to the ball and meets her prince charming. Midnight strikes and one lost crystal slipper later, the prince must now embark on a journey to find his lost love.

Next the lesser known but equally impressive 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 love, her heart melts in a tragic embrace.

Completing this trio is the most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family, The Nutcracker. 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…

Russian State Ballet of Siberia is here 4-6 January Tickets are priced at £34.50-£42.Discounts are available. To buy tickets contact Buxton Opera House Box Office, Tel: 01298 72190 or visit: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk