Akademik

   Russia’s contribution to ballet, which dates to the 18th century, remains important, though ideological pressure and highprofile defections by a number of dancers during the Soviet period somewhat tarnished the image of the art in the country. The term “Russian ballet” refers to a school of dance that has specific characteristics. The most common method of training and performing is the Vaganova method. In the Soviet Union, ballet was one of the main arts and it carried a strong ideological message. Ballet schools and theaters were established in all major cities; however, St. Petersburg (the Mariinsky Theater) and Moscow (the Bolshoy Theater) were the main centers. After perestroika, ballet was de-ideologized but its cultural and social significance decreased. Since the 1980s, the number of independent ballet companies has increased dramatically owing to a decrease in state funds for cultural projects. The style of performing also became more diverse and now includes elements of contemporary dance.