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Ballet Academy of St. Petersburg

Presents

Paquita – Grand Pas Classique

In Spain during the Napoleonic era, Paquita—raised among a Romani community but unknowingly born into nobility—discovers her true heritage through a family medallion that reveals her aristocratic birth. Freed from the social barriers that once divided them, she can marry the French officer Lucien d’Hervilly.

The celebrated Grand Pas Classique from Paquita, staged in its definitive form by Marius Petipa with music by Ludwig Minkus, unfolds as a magnificent wedding celebration honoring Paquita’s restored lineage and her betrothal.

Set in a grand salon, the scene depicts a formal courtly festivity: the reception at General d’Hervilly’s palace. As nobles assemble to present the bride and groom, the Entrée establishes the splendor of the occasion with the full ensemble filling the stage in a stately procession. In the Adagio, Paquita and Lucien dance with noble restraint and radiance; their partnership embodying harmony, love and classical dignity.

A suite of variations follows—each a jewel-like solo performed by members of the bridal court. These dances demand exacting speed and clarity, offering moments of individual virtuosity while upholding the elegance of the royal celebration.

The Coda ignites the stage with sparkling turns, buoyant jumps and dazzling batterie, culminating in a triumphant finale.

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Who We Are:

The Ballet Academy of St. Petersburg specializes in Vaganova Ballet training. We offer a program to further develop young dancer's education in classical ballet and performance. We are a not for profit corporation that exists for educational and charitable purposes to promote classical ballet, dance, and artistry. Our Artistic Director, Dusanka Gradiski Ivanova, is internationally recognized for her unique education that inspires the best for each of her dancers.