Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet, one of the world’s most important and historically rich dance companies, opens the Segerstrom’s 30th Season with RAYMONDA. Performing with the Mariinsky Orchestra, this will be the company’s eighth visit to the Center and the first time this masterpiece from the Golden Age of Russian classical ballet.  RAYMONDA has been called the “last grand ballet” of the 19th century. The choreography by Marius Petipa to Alexander Glazunov’s atmospheric and dramatic score is filled with dazzling solos and beautiful duets. The ballet is set in medieval Hungary and tells the story of a beautiful young noblewoman who is conflicted by her love for her betrothed, the crusader knight Jean de Brienne, and a handsome Saracen warrior.

Performance Review:

Raymonda by the Mariinsky Ballet opened the 2015– 2016 International Dance Series at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with brilliant artistry. It was Girls Night Out with my mom and her friend. As I have mentioned on previous posts, my mom and I love ballet, and I used to dance ballet so I felt honored to witness history in dance form and come face-to-face with a world-renowned dance company. This ballet was exquisite! Every dancer that performed that night added a touch of beauty to every step they took and variation they performed. The Mariinsky Ballet is much known for how much effort they make to present their legs, arms, heads and even fingers. Each hand movement complemented the music that was being performed by the excellent Mariinsky Orchestra. The music played by the Orchestra really made the whole ballet come together in perfect harmony. The most majestic backdrops brought this ballet to life. The chandeliers hanging from the theater’s ceiling looked so realistic. I was really impressed with how effortlessly every set change was executed. Bravo! The costume design was spectacular as it was filled with rich colors and elegant fabrics which lived up to the Mariinsky Ballet name.

Preview Talks

One of the coolest things of the night was the Preview Talk where we learned the history behind the Mariinsky Ballet and how culturally rich this company is. We also got to know details that made us appreciate much more when the dancers took the stage. I highly recommend attending the preview talks at Segerstrom as they are very interesting and enriching.

Thank you, Segestrom Center, for an amazing night of dance! When the dancers took their final bow and the curtains came down, I was amazed at what I had witnessed. It was such a beautiful masterpiece of movement.
-Caro 
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A post by Carolina Gonzalez. Carolina is a newbie in LA ready to discover all the hidden jewels this city offers. Carolina loves life, travel, volunteering, ballet, theatre, fashion and desserts – oh yeah! You can follow Carolina on Instagram and Twitter @CaroinLAcity.

Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra’s RAYMONDA