ASTANA – Astana Ballet has prepared a special gift for residents and guests of the city. The ballet has launched weekly backstage tours, showing patrons what mysteries are really behind the big scenes.
Guests will be able to see what is usually hidden from viewers’ eyes and feel the atmosphere, experience the world of dance and touch the art. Multi-layered tutus and ballet dancer’s pointe shoes, the main positions in ballet and the famous plié – all will be part of the tour. A learned guide, a cicerone, will explain why “the theatre begins with a hanger” and etiquette rules are needed.
An exhibit authored by Russian photographer Alexei Krivtsov awaits visitors. The graceful bends of the artists’ bodies as seen through the lens of a master, whose works are in private collections in many countries, were presented to the Kazakh people for the first time in April. They are now decorating the theatre foyer, delighting the audience.
In addition to interesting stories about the birth of ballet in Kazakhstan and the world, visitors can see a colourful excerpt from “The Nutcracker,” immersing themselves in the magical atmosphere of the New Year’s miracle. Each tour will be thematic, containing excerpts from upcoming repertoire performances.
The programme includes a visit to the dressing room and decoration workshop, where the real magic takes place, as masters of their craft make up the artists, sew costumes and create decorations for performances. For the first time the theatre will also open the doors to the rehearsal hall, where visitors can see how the artists warm up, hone their skills according to the current repertoire and learn the movements for “Beibars,” the premiere historical production.
Especially for “The Nutcracker,” guests will have the opportunity to take pictures against the background, which have been moved to the front of the house in a special area for photo shoots.
