Russian ballet first timer

St Petersburg
If you've never been to the ballet before, you're in St Petersburg and you're wondering which show to pick, you're in the right place.

Go for a classic
Best thing to do is try an easy to follow story line, so you can focus less on the plot and more on how the whole thing is staged, the moves, the music, the ambiance. Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty are more on the classic ballet and fairy tale side. Anna Karenina and La Bayadere have a more intense plot, there's more drama and focus on the story than on the dancing itself.

Michailovsky

Mariinsky

Dancers
You don't really need to see Russia's prima ballerina, you probably won't be able to tell the difference anyway.

Marrinsky or Michailovsky
You want to pick a nice theatre and you want to avoid falling into the Hermitage tourist trap.

Tickets
Always buy online directly from the theatre's website. If you already pay plenty for a ticket, run the extra mile and get a better seat. It changes the experience.

Dress code
Respect yourself and respect Russian culture.