Although the Russian Classic Ballet Show has not changed as much as the relations between Nepal and Russia, what one can see is the change in the age of viewers. Although the Russian Classic Ballet used to be popular in the past, it had not been organized here for almost 15 years.


Thanks to Russian Center for Science and Culture, Nepalese audiences rejoiced its return to their home. Moscow National Academic Theater of Dance Gzhel within the Mandala International Youth Theater Festival showed the program at the Russian Cultural Center.


Although Russia and Nepal have a long history of exchanging cultural programs, it remained almost halted following the dissolution of former Soviet Union.


Russian Ambassador to Nepal Dr. Sergey V. Velichkin highlighted the importance of Russia-Nepal relations.


“Russian Classic Ballet has a long history and this kind of program helps to strengthen the people to people relations,” said ambassador Dr. Velichkin.


Opening the program, counselor of the Embassy of Russian Federation and Director of Russian Center of Science and Culture Stanislav Simakov said the center will increase this kind of programs in the future.


Minister for Science and Technology Kalpana Dhamala and other ministers, leaders of various political parties and foreign diplomats based in Kathmandu were also present on the occasion.


Russian ballet dance is rightfully concerned classic. Its rich traditions and unchallenged beauty of performance have deserved it just recognition all around the world. Russian ballet dance groups give performances in many countries bringing the sincere and professional art that unites people catching their attention, touching them deep at soul and leaving them in admiration or contemplation when the performance is over.

The Moscow National Academic Theatre of Dance "Gzhel" was founded in 1988 in Moscow by Vladimir Zakharov, Art Director and Chief Choreographer of "Gzhel”, People's Artist of the Russian Federation and North Ossetia Republic. He is also an honored Artist of Dagestan Republic, Ph.D. in Culture Studies, Academician, and author of "Poetry of Russian Dance".


Vladimir Zakharov and his Theatre Gzhel were the first in Russia to stage Russian classic ballet, folk and music hall with the same dancers and even within the same program. Now, Theatre “Gzhel” is the only one dancing group in the world staging these three different performances at the same time.


Organized by Russian Centre of Science and Culture and Mandala Theatre in association with Mahendra Golcha Memorial Trust, the one and half hour performance was full of display of talent of Russian artists.


Another feature that makes “Gzhel” unique is that it is a school, an academy and a theater at the same time. Future ballet stars start studying here from their very childhood, then they go on for higher education at the Academy and after graduation they work and dance at the Theater.



“Gzhel” gives performances in Moscow at the best Russian capital's concert halls, in many Russian cities and abroad. The theater has toured for over 60 countries: China, Qatar, Germany, the USA, France, and many others. Most of “Gzhel” dancers are laureates of many international dance competitions.


“For the first time since the Soviet era, Russian Centre of Science and Culture in association with Mandala Theatre and Mahendra Golcha Memorial Trust brought a classic Russian ballet dance group to Nepal to participate in 2nd Mandala International Youth Theater Festival. On the 26th and 28th of November dancers from the Moscow National Academic Theatre of Dance “Gzhel” performed at the stage of Russian cultural centre in Kathmandu to put the audience in touch with the profound and beautiful art of Russian ballet,” said a press release issued by Russian Culture.
“Gzhel” gives performances in Moscow at the best Russian capital's concert halls, in many Russian cities and abroad. The theater has toured for over 60 countries: China, Qatar, Germany, the USA, France, and many others. Most of “Gzhel” dancers are laureates of many international dance competitions.


“For the first time since the Soviet era, Russian Centre of Science and Culture in association with Mandala Theatre and Mahendra Golcha Memorial Trust brought a classic Russian ballet dance group to Nepal to participate in 2nd Mandala International Youth Theater Festival. On the 26th and 28th of November dancers from the Moscow National Academic Theatre of Dance “Gzhel” performed at the stage of Russian cultural centre in Kathmandu to put the audience in touch with the profound and beautiful art of Russian ballet,” said a press release issued by Russian Culture.