7 December 2025

The Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre: Art Transforming Concepts of Modern Ballet

The Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre is one of the most vibrant and daring phenomena in the history of modern choreography. Founded in 1977 as an experimental laboratory for artists, it has become a veritable space for theatrical discovery. Its very first productions, "Two-Voice" and "Boomerang," heralded the birth of a new artistic direction, which critics immediately hailed as an avant-garde breakthrough in Soviet ballet. Eifman succeeded in combining classical training with a freedom of movement previously unseen on the Russian stage. By the end of the 1970s, the theater had developed its own distinctive repertoire, drawing on world literature and complex dramatic plots. Its repertoire included productions based on Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Bulgakov, and Shakespeare. Productions of "The Idiot," "Twelfth Night," "The Master and Margarita," and many others surprised with the power of their emotional intensity and the audacity of their movement. Eifman was called a "choreographic dissident," but it was his pursuit of inner freedom that defined the theater's future. Today, the company enjoys recognition on the largest stages in Europe, America, Asia, and Australia. Works such as "Red Giselle," "Anna Karenina," "Russian Hamlet," and "Tchaikovsky. PRO et CONTRA" have become hallmarks of 21st-century Russian choreography. Critics have noted Eifman's rare combination of philosophical depth and visual expression, and The New York Times has called him "the leading contemporary choreographer." His genre, "psychological ballet," explores human passions, internal conflicts, and the nature of creativity.An important part of the company's work was the creation of the Boris Eifman Dance Academy—a unique educational project opened in 2013. Today, it combines training, stage practice, and creative experimentation. The Academy Theater, opened in 2019, has become a new venue for festivals and award-winning performances, continuing to expand the horizons of Russian ballet.

Eifman is an artist for whom movement is the language of thought and emotion. His productions are always dramatically rich stories, where movement becomes a means of understanding the human soul. Audiences around the world have noted the extraordinary power of his stage world, where classic and modern styles merge into a new artistic language.

On our website, you can buy tickets to performances at the Boris Eifman Theatre and witness ballet stories that leave no one indifferent.

More news

8 April

Anna Karenina at the Alexandrinsky Theatre: Immerse yourself in a world of passion and emotion

In July 2026, Boris Eifman's ballet Anna Karenina will once again be performed at the Alexandrinsky Theatre. Experience the atmosphere of Tolstoy's era with vibrant dance numbers and Tchaikovsky's music. Don't miss your chance to be part of this event!

5 April

Eifman's ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan" – behind-the-scenes dramas on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theatre

Boris Eifman's new ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan" reveals the inner world of the great comedy writer and the intrigues of theatrical life, bringing backstage passions to life through movement and drama.

5 April

Boris Eifman's Anna Karenina: Passion, Choice, and Tragedy on the Alexandrinsky Theatre Stage

Boris Eifman's new production of Anna Karenina conveys the heroine's inner world through dance and contemporary choreography, revealing the passion, moral dilemmas, and tragedy of Tolstoy's classic novel.

5 April

Boris Eifman's "The Seagull. A Ballet Story": Drama and Backstage at the Alexandrinsky Theatre

Boris Eifman's ballet "The Seagull. A Ballet Story" will be performed at the Alexandrinsky Theatre, revealing the dancers' behind-the-scenes passions, creative explorations, and personal dramas through the expressive language of dance.

4 April

"Rodin, Her Eternal Idol": A Story of Love and Tragedy in Boris Eifman's Ballet

The ballet "Rodin, Her Eternal Idol" reveals the fates of Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin through the sculptural language of psychological ballet, demonstrating the passion, creativity, and emotional trials of these great masters.

4 April

"The Pygmalion Effect": A Ballet About Transformation and the Price of Dreams at the Alexandrinsky Theatre

Boris Eifman's production explores the power of expectations and the inner transformations of personality, combining the grace of a waltz with the drama of human destinies.

1 April

Eifman Gala at the Kremlin: Immerse yourself in the world of ballet

The State Kremlin Palace will host the "Eifman Gala," a unique program from the Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre. Enjoy selected excerpts from masterpieces and celebrate the maestro's anniversary with us!

28 February

Boris Eifman's Psychological Ballet: "Rodin, Her Eternal Idol" at the Alexandrinsky Theatre

Immerse yourself in a world of passion and tragedy on the Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre's tour of St. Petersburg. The ballet "Rodin, Her Eternal Idol" brings to life the sculptures of Rodin and Claudel, revealing the drama of their relationship. Don't miss

26 February

Boris Eifman's Crime and Punishment at the Alexandrinsky Theatre: Dostoevsky's Philosophy Through Dance

Immerse yourself in Dostoevsky's world with the ballet Crime and Punishment at the Alexandrinsky Theatre. Boris Eifman reveals Raskolnikov's inner contradictions through unique choreography. Don't miss this philosophical reflection on stage.

5 February

"Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan" at the Alexandrinsky Theatre: A Ballet about the Price of Genius

Boris Eifman's ballet "Molière Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan" at the Alexandrinsky Theatre is a dramatic journey through the life of the great comedy writer, where theater and life are inseparable.

Upcoming events

1
We, 20:00
July
Saint Petersburg, Alexandrinsky Theatre

The Pygmalion Effect (at the Alexandrinsky Theatre)

12+Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Alexandrinsky Theatre
10July 11July
Saint Petersburg, Alexandrinsky Theatre

Molière's Passion, or The Mask of Don Juan (Alexandrinsky Theatre)

16+Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Alexandrinsky Theatre
9
Th, 20:00
July
Saint Petersburg, Alexandrinsky Theatre

Anna Karenina (at the Alexandrinsky Theatre)

12+Ballet
Saint Petersburg, Alexandrinsky Theatre