Eifman Ballet, one of Russia’s most prestigious ballet companies and a symbol of contemporary ballet worldwide, has chosen Vietnam as one of the destinations for its 2025 world tour.

At the press conference announcing the event in Vietnam, attendees included Mr. Iurii Nemtsov, Acting Consul General of the Russian Federation in Ho Chi Minh City, representatives from the Saigon Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), and the Vietnam National Music, Song and Dance Theater.

A total of 108 artists from Russia’s Eifman Ballet will bring a special adaptation featuring selected scenes from Anna Karenina - based on Lev Tolstoy’s classic novel - to the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House from November 27–29 and the Vietnam–Soviet Friendship Cultural Palace in Hanoi from December 4–5.

Founded in 1977 by choreographer Boris Eifman under the name Leningrad New Ballet as an “art laboratory,” the troupe has since performed at leading theaters across Europe, Asia, the United States, and Australia. Notable productions include Red Giselle, Russian Hamlet, Anna Karenina, Eugene Onegin, and Rodin, all embodying the company’s contemporary ballet philosophy, in contrast to classical traditions.

Eifman Ballet features Russia’s top artists such as Maria Abashova, Lyubov Andreyeva, Dmitry Fisher, and Sergey Volobuev. Many have received prestigious honors, including the Golden Mask and Golden Soffit awards, as well as decorations from the Russian government and president.

The soul of the troupe is its founder and choreographer Boris Eifman, credited with developing a modern ballet style he calls “psychological ballet.” He is regarded as one of the defining choreographers of his era. The New York Times once called Eifman “the leader among contemporary choreographers,” noting, “If the ballet world is looking for a great choreographer, it need look no further.”

Anna Karenina is one of Boris Eifman’s signature works. Compared to Tolstoy’s complex novel, the ballet condenses the plot to focus on the love triangle between Anna Karenina, her husband Alexey Karenin, and her lover Count Vronsky. It vividly portrays Anna’s inner conflict between passionate love and family duty through the language of dance, retaining the tragic ending from the original book.

A representative from the Saigon Philharmonic Orchestra said that from the first meeting with Eifman Ballet, they wanted to be a bridge to bring the troupe’s artistry, emotion, and creativity to Vietnamese audiences.

Mr. Iurii Nemtsov emphasized that the Eifman Ballet’s choice of Vietnam for its 2025 tour is not only a cultural event but also a bridge connecting the hearts of the two nations, strengthening their longstanding friendship. “Through the borderless language of art, Eifman Ballet will present to Vietnamese audiences the beauty, depth, and humanistic spirit characteristic of Russian culture,” he said.

Gia Bao