21st Rudolf Nureyev International Festival opened with legendary "Crane Song" ballet in Ufa

UFA, 24 May 2017. /Bashinform News Agency, Leila Aralbaeva/. In Ufa, the 21st Rudolf Nureyev International Ballet Art Festival opened with a premiere of the national "Crane Song" ballet. This performance is a landmark for the Bashkir Opera and Ballet Theatre - it was after watching this performance at the age of seven, the future dance genius of the twentieth century Rudolf Nureyev decided to dedicate his life to the ballet art.

The ballet by Lev Stepanov and Zagir Ismagilov was performed in a new scenography: the scenery was created by the chief artist of the theatre Rifkat Arslanov. The lead roles were brilliantly performed by the favourites of the Ufa public, the leading soloists of the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre - laureates of the S. Yulaev Prize, People's Artists of Bashkortostan Gulsina Mavlyukasova (Zaitungul) and Ildar Manyapov (Yumagul).

The guest of honour of the festival opening was the Head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov. "Over the years of its existence, the festival has turned into a real celebration of high art, won the sympathy of the audience. Each year, it expands the geography of its participants, enriches repertoire of performances of young talents, " it was said in the greeting of the Head of the Republic. Recall that the updated version of the "Crane Song" performance was realized due to the grant support of the Head of the Region.

The performance was highly appreciated by guests of the festival - well-known ballet critics.

The 21st Rudolf Nureyev International Ballet Art Festival is dedicated to the 90th anniversary of its honourary president - the outstanding contemporary choreographer Yuri Grigorovich. The festival will continue until June 2, the full program is available here.