Celebrating the 200th anniversary of Marius Petipa, the master of Russian ballet, the English Opera House hosted an incredible set of performances from the world’s most known ballet dancers in order to celebrate the master’s bicentennial.

Swarovski sponsored the production of the costumes that stunned the audience on Sunday evening for the world premiere of Warrior of Light. Gracing the stage, we had the pleasure of witnessing the spectacular talent of Maria Sascha Khan, Nadia Khan, Nicholas MacKay under Julian and Nicholas’s MacKay stellar choreography. All dancers were donned in Theresa Khan MacKay’s stellar costume design featuring carefully embellished Swarovski crystals in awe-inducing patterns.

 

 

The programme of the evening also included the eponymous Don Quixote, Swan Lake, La Sylphide and also a world premiere of Warrior of Light. Gracing the stage with sublime examples of the theatrical craft were some of the prime figures in contemporary and classical ballet, from rising stars to established talent.

Ballet is rightfully considered as one of the symbols of Russia and the diverse nature of the programme and the performers all united under their love of dance. From established stars to new talent, the Russian Ballet Icons is one of the most poignant events in the cultural life of the British capital.

Since the year 2006, Ensemble Productions has brought the Russian Ballet Icons Gala to London and the show at the Coliseum has become a hub for culture lovers. Stars of the Bolshoi and the Mariinsky – but also the Royal Ballet and the leading companies of Europe have joined forces for more than a decade to celebrate the strength and creativity of Russian artistic traditions.

Ballet is one of the most powerful images of Russia and its accurate representation depends on everyone involved in the production – from the Orchestra to the Décor to the Costumes. Swarovski has managed to transform a world of fantasy into a reality to graces the stage. A spectacle of light emerged during the world premiere of ‘Warrior of Light’ when an array of incredibly crafted and carefully embellished costumes adorned the frail yet powerful bodies of the dancers.

The evening was an all-encompassing celebration of art, culture, tenacity that culminated in an exhilarating experience worthy of repeat – celebrating everything that Russian decadence represents.

Coverage: Adina Ilie