RUSSIA’S acclaimed ballet company returns to The Anvil from Thursday, 1 to Saturday, 3 February with three popular ballets - The Snow Maiden, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia and accompanied by The Orchestra of the Russian State Ballet.

The Snow Maiden - Thursday, 1 February at 7.30pm

Protected from the outside world by Father Frost, the exquisite Snow Maiden plays innocently amongst the dancing snowflakes.

Based on a traditional folk-tale, set in the snow covered landscape of rural Russia, this seasonal sparkler follows the Snow Maiden as she dances into the human world.

Captivated by the colourful village and the people who live

there, she ventures too far and is swept up by feelings of love, temptation and betrayal.

When finally she surrenders herself completely and warms to love, her heart melts in a tragic embrace.

The Nutcracker - Friday, 2 February at 7.30pm

This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins on Christmas Eve.

As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath.

When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins...

Swan Lake - Saturday, 3 February 2.30pm and 7.30pm

The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all.

From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with

emotional intensity.

Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering

performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth.

The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes.

“It is always a pleasure to bring the unique traditions of Russian Ballet to British audiences. It is very special to have the power of a symphony orchestra bringing the choreography to life on stage,” adds Sergei Bobrov, artistic director.

For more information or for tickets, visit anvilarts.org.uk or call the Anvil Arts box office on 01256 844244.