Ballet fans in the north-east will get a taste of Russia as a special “invitation only” performance by two of the country’s greatest dancers comes to Aberdeen.
Valeria Vasilyeva and Anton Geyker, principal dancers at the country’s world famous Bolshoi Ballet, are due to touch down in the city today to star in a special variety performance at the city’s Tivoli Theatre.
Founded in 1776, the Bolshoi is one of the world’s oldest ballet companies.
It achieved worldwide acclaim in the early 20th century when Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Union.
Securing the dancers took years of talks with Russian state officials and Ms Vasilyeva and Mr Geyker required seven visas to come to the UK for the show at Aberdeen’s Victorian theatre.
However, the fleet-footed pair will not have time to do any sight-seeing in Aberdeen with a strict rehearsal timetable before the main show kicks off at 7.30pm on Monday night.
Also on the special bill will be Scottish comedian Andy Cameron, Deeside fiddle virtuoso Paul Anderson and Aberdeen’s very own Ashley Road School Choir.
Pete Dobbing’s stage show will also be featured after a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Brian Hendry, one of three shareholders of the theatre, said the audience could expect “a great show”.
He said: “What we’re doing is bringing back variety – there hasn’t been a variety show at the theatre in 40 years.
“We were thrilled to be able to get these dancers from the Bolshoi, they will be coming over from Moscow and performing two pieces at the show.
“It wasn’t easy to get them to say the least so this is a bit of a coup for us.”
Elsewhere in the city, art fans will be able to enjoy a f at an historic city venue.
The Music Hall will play host to the previews for the Aberdeen Art Fair on tonight and tomorrow night with tickets available on the door.
Hundreds of painters, photographers and sculptors from across Britain will be represented.
Closer to home Enid Hutt, the Aberdeen artist’s society, north-east open studios and Gallery I in Inverurie will also be displaying works.