I have booked to see Giselle at at Hermitage Theatre of Classical Ballet. I was so impressed with what I read about the Theatre and the seating. Also the presentation and reviews of the wonderful actors of the Ballet. The history of the building was so interesting. Perhaps I should have submitted a topic and ask previously before I booked. Where can you go to feel the warmth ,and atmosphere of a Restaurant its food and music maybe with a touch of Gipsy music. Gera007

You can check my earlier posts on the matter of the Hermitage ballet. But my one and only (ever) experience there was with Giselle and it was absolutely hideous. I am a knowledgable ballet goer and we took some of our ballet students there (who were in SP that summer with a ballet program) only because nothing else was playing in August. Everyone was appalled. I would not recommend it to anyone unless they have cleaned up their act - so to speak - since then and I dont know about it. It seems to be, by my observation, a tourist experience contrived for people that dont know ballet. I would like to know what reviews you read. If you can - if at all possible in season - see the Mariinskiy theatre ballet, or St Petersburg ballet. You will see some of the best the world has to offer.



Now having said all that, I notice that your title was "Hermitage Theatre of Classical Ballet" - There is the Hermitage theatre, and theire is the Theatre of Classical Ballet, which is different.

If it is the Little Hermitage Theater, the seating and view lines are wonderful. The ballet, during the summer is staged by promoters who contract with an existing ballet company or assemble the cast from scratch. It is possible to see a wonderful performance or an amateurish one depending on the promoter and cast. So, it all depends. I've seen Giselle there, with a very good troupe of dancers, several years ago and was delighted with the show. Sometimes it is not so good, intended for tourists and not ballet fans. There is a wide variety of music, song and dance that is periodically staged there, the venue is small and does not work with ballets or operas that have elaborate sets, but intimate "little" ballets are a very good match for the staging.

Essentially the theater is for rent and promoters create their own performances. You can rent it for a party or wedding if you wished.

The same with many of the palaces in the city and outskirts.



There are several permanent ballet companies, both private commercial and part state sponsored in the city.



For a restaurant as you describe, try Demidov on Fontanka River, across from the Summer Gardens. The Gypsy show is quite entertaining, the good authentic Russian from prior to the Soviet era and the interior of the restaurant is also very authentic from that period, the domed ceilings with elaborate paintings are quite interesting.

Don't be surprised if you end up being part of the show.

Hi Thank you for your reply. I think your reply re the Restaurant is great. I will really try to get there. I do not mind if they involve me. My nickname is ""Gipsy""I should dress appropriately and wear big earrings......It would be a different experience having an ""Ozzie"" in the audience.......Re the Hermitage Theatre. This will be my first time to view Ballet. What a great epside to see this in St Petersburg What a bonus. Not being a fanatic I will enjoy whatever. The restaurant sounds great. Thanks. Cyn .. Gera007

Hi Stanj. I wish to tell you the Ballet of Giselle was wonderful at the Hermitage Theatre. Cast received a standing appreciatation from the audience. After the Ballet found the Demidov Restaurant. Great entertainment provided by the Gypsies performing there. So vibrant. Had supper at the Restaurant. So enjoyable. Thank you for your advice. I just loved my trip over Russia and its great cities. Many thanks. Gera007