Kirov Ballet

views updated May 11 2018

Kirov Ballet Ballet company founded in 1735 at St Petersburg. Under the direction of Petipa (1862–1903), the Kirov Ballet was the world's leading company, with principal dancers such as Pavlova and Nijinsky. Later stars include Michel Fokine, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Kirov Opera has also made a major contribution to Russian culture.