The Greatest Russian Ballets
Any ballet enthusiast knows that some of the greatest ballets in history originated in Russia. In fact, in the early 19th century, Russia opened up the theatres to anyone who could afford to buy a ticket, regardless of class. The wealthier attendants were provided with the best seating possible. This system allowed the majority of people to be able to attend any ballet performance, causing widespread popularity. Some of the best dancers in all of ballet are part of Russian ballet companies as well.
What are the best Russian ballets of all time? Some of the most famous ballets came from Russia, forever changing dancing techniques. The most respected ballet companies in the world have all used many Russian techniques and Russia has produced some of the most celebrated ballets and ballet performances in history.
This list features the best Russian ballets, ranked by voters and including, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliette, Cinderella, Giselle, La Bayadere, and Afternoon of a Faun.
Vote up the greatest Russian ballets below, or add a ballet from Russia that isn't already on the list.- 1
Swan Lake
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - 2
The Nutcracker
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - 3
The Sleeping Beauty
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - 4
Giselle
Adolphe Adam - 5
Romeo and Juliet
Sergei Prokofiev - 6
Coppelia
Leo Delibes - 7
La Bayadere
Ludwig Minkus - 8
Les Sylphides
Michel Fokine - 9
The Firebird
Igor Stravinsky - 10
Esmerelda
Jules Perrot - 11
La Fille Mal Gardee
Jean Dauberval - 12
Manon
Jules Massenet - 13
Schéhérazade
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov - 14
Sylvia
Louis Merante - 15
Paquita
Joseph Mazilier, Paul Foucher, Edouard Deldevez - 16
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Felix Mendelssohn - 17
Cinderella
Sergei Prokofiev - 18
Le Sacre Du Printemps
Igor Stravinsky - 19
Afternoon of a Faun
Vaslav Nijinsky - 20
Apollo
Igor Stravinsky - 21
Ondine
Sir Frederick Ashton - 22
Papillons
Marie Taglioni - 23
Le Soleil De Nuit
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov - 24
Le Carnaval
Robert Schumann - 25
Le Rossignol
Igor Stravinsky