The popular Moscow City Ballet has returned to Chichester Festival Theatre with a double bill of renowned Russian classics.

After opening with Giselle they continue with The Nutcracker until Sunday.

The company’s highly praised repertoire combines artistry, technique, narrative and live music to provide memorable productions of ‘big story’ Russian dance.

The audience can witness the precision of the company’s corps de ballet alongside the dexterity, grace and vitality of its principal dancers.

Founded in 1988 by Victor Smirnov-Golovanov, who sadly died in 2013, Moscow City Ballet remains in the safe hands of his devoted wife Ludmila Neroubashchenko, who has been leading the ballet company for the last few years, will now officially take on the position of Artistic Director and will continue to preserve Victor's unique choreography and productions as well as the commitment to promoting ballet in the Russian Classical tradition all over the world.

We are looking forward to a successful 25th Anniversary Season of 2013-2014. Neroubashchenko, who has been leading the ballet company for the last few years.

As the company’s Artistic Director, she has remained faithful to Victor’s unique choreography and production which has entertained and fascinated audiences of all ages world-wide.

Ludmila Neroubashchenko, who has been leading the ballet company for the last few years, will now officially take on the position of Artistic Director and will continue to preserve Victor's unique choreography and productions as well as the commitment to promoting ballet in the Russian Classical tradition all over the world.

We are looking forward to a successful 25th Anniversary Season of 2013-2014.

Neroubashchenko said: “Last season was emotional and daunting with it being our first UK tour since Victor died and the company’s 25th anniversary, but the audiences were amazing and supportive.

"We’re thrilled they want us back so soon; demand has been so great for next season that we’re bringing more dancers, more staging and more costumes, which will allow us the flexibility to over-lap on some of the tour dates and yet still provide the unique Moscow City Ballet Russian dance experience.”

The performances will be accompanied by the Moscow City Ballet Orchestra.

Timeless classic The Nutcracker is complete with stunning costumes, sumptuous sets and Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece score.

This enchanting ballet tells the story of Clara’s magical adventure with her Nutcracker Prince, including a visit to the exquisite Land of Flowers and the beautiful Flower Fairy, and is a real festive treat.

  • The Nutcracker is on Thursday 8 – Sunday 11 January, Thursday – Saturday evenings 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm, Sunday matinee 3pm. Tickets Tuesday – Thursday £14-£32, Friday-Sunday £15-£35. To book, visit cft.org.uk or contact the Box Office on 01243 781312.