St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre was founded as the first theatre of ballet in Russia in 1966 and their first program was repeated with triumphant success over a hundred times to packed audiences in Saint Petersburg and later all over Russia.

Under the artistic direction of Yuri Petukhov, People’s Artist of Russia, State Prize Laureate of Russia and Laureate to International Ballet Competition, the company continually extends its sphere of activity and creativity over the years. Petukhov, formerly a dancer at Maly Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the most interesting performers of modern chorography and continues to create new works. He has received first prize for best chorography and three first prizes as a balletmaster from international competitions. “Petukhov treats Giselle not as a piece to be choreographically updated, but as one of the traditional 19th century treasures to be preserved intact,” (The Bryan-College Station Eagle).

The company continues to pass on a mastery of the high traditions of Russian Ballet to a younger generation of artists, both Russian and foreign. The company’s ballet artists demonstrate their skill at international ballet competitions and the theatre administration regularly organizes a series of master classes. The repertoire of the company consists of both classical and modern ballet performances including full-length traditional and one-act ballets. Remarking on their presentation of Giselle, The New York Post says it is a combination of “Classical purity and modern innovation.”