Hermitage Theatre of Classical Russian Ballet Performance and Private Backstage Tour

Visit: Hermitage Theater, Dvortsovaya Emb., 34, St. Petersburg 191186 Russia

Your private backstage tour will begin at 4:30pm with pickup from your hotel lobby by a skilled driver. From there, you will be transported to one of the oldest theaters in Russia, the Hermitage Ballet Theatre of Saint-Petersburg.

Built on the foundation of Peter the Great's Winter Palace and designed by Giacomo Quarenghi, the Hermitage Ballet Theatre opened its doors in November 1785. Many of St. Petersburg's "beau monde," including members of the Russian imperial family, have taken delight in the elite performances presented by the European opera and ballet troupes. Many masquerades, ballet and opera performances, and costume balls transpired here. In 1989 Russian classical performances were added to the playbill such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker and other masterpieces of the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet.

You will be enveloped by silver and velvet, mirrors and crystal, painting and fretwork, refined interiors, luxurious decorations and a great cast. Your tour includes access to the make-up rooms where you can see the creation of various artistic images and grasp the feelings of the main heroes. You can enter ballet classes and see the dancers as they practice elements of ballet choreography. You will have the unique chance to visit the wardrobe workshop where costumed characters and assistants prepare each artistic element.

The ballet performance begins at approximately 8pm. During your excursion you will have a unique chance to talk to one of the famous ballet dancers, which will make you feel close to the amazing world of Russian ballet. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture pictures to make your meeting more memorable. You will delight in the awesome atmosphere of the Hermitage Ballet Theatre while enjoying an apéritif accompanied by salmon roe, bread-and-butter or sweets in the theatre café. You may reserve a table before the performance if you choose.

After your refreshment break you will attend a breathtaking performance of the Hermitage Ballet Theatre. The average performance duration is 2-2.5 hours.

Your private tour concludes when the performance ends.

Duration: 5 hours