The Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet

Returning to Wales Millennium Centre this spring, the Mariinsky Theatre under Artistic Director Valery Gergiev presents an exclusive residency designed to showcase the Ballet and Orchestra in some of their most exciting repertoire.

The Mariinsky Ballet begins its triple bill with Five Tangos, by Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen to the vibrant music of Astor Piazzolla, the legendary Argentinian tango composer. Van Manen has been creating work for over 50 years and Five Tangos was first premièred by Dutch National Ballet in 1977.

Second on the bill is Infra, by leading British choreographer Wayne McGregor. Created for The Royal Ballet in 2008, the piece takes its name from the Latin word for 'below' and presents a portrait of life beneath the surface of the city. With an LED screen running the width of the stage, a mesmerising flow of walking fi gures pass by above, whilst 12 dancers move through solos, duets and ensembles all accompanied by Max Richter's melancholic score. Both Infra and Five Tangos will be the first UK performances of these works by the Mariinsky Ballet.

The final piece of the evening is American choreographer Jerome Robbins’ In The Night. Created for New York City Ballet in 1970, In The Night is an elegant series of duets, depicting three couples and their varying relationships. Danced to Chopin’s Nocturnes for solo piano, the piece showcases the poetry and lyricism of the Mariinsky Ballet.