Pavlov Ballet is the first Russian ballet company incorporated outside The Russian Federation. The story of Pavlov Ballet struggle and success began in 1992, when Dmitri Pavlov's ballet The Life of Colour was first performed at The Alte Oper festival in Frankfurt, Germany. The ballet was received well but Dmitri Pavlov was not happy with the production and in 1995 he invited Alla Chachina to come to St Petersburg and work on new choreography for the ballet. This time the cast was chosen from the leading soloists from The Kirov. Any ballet lover would recognise the names of Margarita Kullik, Vladimir Kim, Marat Daukayev and Olga Lihovskaya. Dmitri Pavlov was so impressed with the result that he appointed Alla Chachina an artistic director of the company. Around that time Dmitri Pavlov also concluded the music for another ballet The Fall of Babylon and on her return to England Alla Chachina began work organising a tour for Pavlov Ballet. Raising money for the project proved to be difficult and after some months the decision was made to postpone the tour. In 1997 Alla Chachina discussed with Ella Gusova the idea of incorporating Pavlov Ballet in England. Ella Gusova decided to personally fund the project. They agreed to form Pavlov Ballet School and use it as a starting point for introducing Pavlov Ballet to the British audiences.
The project had to be started from scratch. The school needed a studio, the company needed an office and all of that had to be achieved within a tight budget. A. Chachina and E. Gusova found the space above a dance shop. The rooms were in derelict state and major building work needed to be done to convert the space. Thousands of pounds of Alla's personal money were injected into the renovation and in October 1997 the school opened.
In the mornings the teaching of classical and national dance to senior students would take place. The students also learned methodology of teaching and choreography. Afternoons were dedicated to organising Pavlov Ballet UK tour. It was decided to introduce the company with traditional well-known ballets. Giselle was an obvious choice, as it was well known as well as being a ballet that could be successfully produced with a small company. Other productions were Les Sylphide and Paquita. Pavlov Ballet was also to perform two gala programs comprised of classical and modern pieces.
Costumes of high quality were made specifically for Pavlov Ballet. The sets were a bit of a problem. As a touring company Pavlov backdrop had to fit various size stages. The Bristol Old Vic workshop was commissioned to produce standard size drops and flats but the design had to be very simple so it could be adjusted to fit any venue.
Come March 1998 all the bookings were confirmed and all the dancers were recruited. The hardest task was to acquire work permits for the dancers. Because the point of the company was to bring to audiences Russian style ballet all the dances had to be Russian trained. On recommendation of Equity the DFEE refused to grant permits at first, but A. Chachina's determination had raised the support for the project. The South West Arts, Bristol Cultural Committee and Bristol City Council have written letters of support and Alla's negotiating ability ensured that the appeal was successful and the permits were granted.
Pavlov Ballet opened its UK tour on the 22 September 1998 at the Redgrave Theatre in Bristol with the production of Giselle. The company amazed the audience and received standing ovation.
After the 1998-1999 tour the dancers were offered to reform a new company hosted by The Grand Theatre, Swansea.
Pavlov Ballet is currently developing new productions. To find out more click here.