Founded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet, Bulgaria is renowned for its award-winning soloists, magnificent corps de ballet and performances of the highest quality. The company presents three classic ballets, from 16 – 18 January 2025 at the Edinburgh Playhouse:
‘We are thrilled to be bringing our highly talented dancers and musicians back to the UK. We can’t wait to perform for British audiences again and to bring these magical ballets to life on stage.’ Daniela Dimova, Artistic Director
Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo & Juliet is brought to life by Prokofiev’s soaring score; set in Renaissance Verona, the star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and an innocent first love that is forbidden, is unmissable.
Swan Lake is perhaps the greatest romantic ballet of all - from the splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation and the dual role of Odette/Odile flutters with emotional intensity.
The fantasy ballet, The Nutcracker begins as snowflakes fall on Christmas Eve. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world with the Mouse-King & Nutcracker Prince and travel through the enchanted Land of Snow.
The Artistic and Musical Directors, as well as two of the leading Soloists were interviewed to share their personal views on the UK tour and passion for dance.
Daniela Dimova, Artistic Director of Varna International Ballet
‘Sixty years ago, the world's first international ballet competition was held in Varna, which immediately made this city one of the ballet capitals of the world. The National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Varna includes dancers from ten countries and is one of the most active and creative European companies, which has already had seven ballet premieres in the last year’.
‘All three productions we are bringing to the UK are audience favourites. Swan Lake is the original 1877 production with music as Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed it and Julius Reisinger’s choreography. We use images projected on the backdrop - the audience is not distracted with hard sets and changeovers, but follows the ballet line and smoothly projected images appropriate for each scene’.
Martina Perfetto will perform Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Marie (Clara) in The Nutcracker and Juliet:
‘I started ballet classes aged five and at thirteen years old I trained at the Italian Academy Teatro di San Carlo. I have toured with the Varna Ballet in the UK for the last two seasons. I feel responsibility as an Italian dancer representing Varna. The profession is physically and emotionally demanding but the joy and happiness of performing on stage is a great reward of your efforts. When I come on stage, I feel the audience’s compassionate mood, which helps me to interpret the role. The best performance is when the dancers and the audience breathe in unison’.
Vittorio Scole takes on the starring roles of Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Prince in The Nutcracker, and Romeo, partnering Martina on stage at the Edinburgh Playhouse:
‘I received my ballet education at the Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, where many famous dancers, Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov graduated. I've had a good opportunity to perform for British audiences and always amazed at how they react and understand the slightest nuances in music and choreography, my movements and emotions that I am trying to put into the roles’.
Peter Tuleshkov is the Musical Director and Chief Conductor
‘I’ve been with Varna International Ballet for five years, and every year has been filled with ideas and achievements. I constantly try to move forward to keep up with the creativity and new ballet productions. When I was young my parents assigned me to the music school and I realised how important it was to study classical music. When I was sixteen, I knew for sure that I wanted to work at the opera and ballet theatre but conducting a ballet performance is a big challenge. Not the slightest mistake is allowed here.’
‘I love the music of Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, but my favourite ballet is the one to which I give my heart at the moment of a performance. Tchaikovsky's music is very light and life-affirming, even if there are tragic moments in the ballet. Tchaikovsky is a fantastic melodist, he gives us a huge number of melodies that instantly sink into the soul. We will soon celebrate 150 years since the premiere of Swan Lake in 1877.’
‘Our young multinational dancers always give their best at every performance. I will help them to radiate their best qualities to the audience.’
Read more about Varna International Ballet and book tickets at the Edinburgh Playhouse
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/varna-international-ballet-edinburgh/
https://www.rg.live/festivals/varna-international-ballet