Ballet in St. Petersburg

[stubbornoldowl]

We are touring in St. Petersburg for 2 days with TJ Travel. We are considering having TJs arrange the ballet for us at the end of the first day at the Mariinsky Theatre. I'm aware that we would not have time to go back to the ship between the day of touring and the ballet. Has anyone done this - how tired were you? Did you feel appropriately dressed for the ballet (we would be in walking shoes and clothes that we had worn all day on the tour)? Also were you able to grab a bite to eat somewhere before the ballet? Thanks. Linda.

[dolittle]

My D.W. did this after a tour with Den- Rus. She had time to eat and change but we were both tired.

[TLCOhio]

We are touring in St. Petersburg for 2 days with TJ Travel. We are considering having TJs arrange the ballet for us at the end of the first day at the Mariinsky Theatre. I'm aware that we would not have time to go back to the ship between the day of touring and the ballet. Has anyone done this - how tired were you? Did you feel appropriately dressed for the ballet (we would be in walking shoes and clothes that we had worn all day on the tour)? Also were you able to grab a bite to eat somewhere before the ballet? Thanks. Linda.

 

Hi, Linda! There are different levels and qualities of ballet offered during the summer in St. Petersburg. Some are at only a "average" level and not performed by the famed companies with the better dancers. Some of the programs can be rather long, like about three hours. Some theaters have wooden seats. Lots of variables to consider. What are you seeking, expecting and needing??? As noted, you need to pace yourself and consider the "trade-offs" from getting too tired and worn-out from over-doing "IT" on your first first day and night in this great city. I would check more and ask the right questions to make sure you are getting what you really want.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

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[cruiselen]

"Grabbing a bite" before the performance at Mariinsky theater is not a problem - there are several restaurants of different types in the vicinity, including a couple of Russian pirogy (pies) places, called Stolle, which are very good.

[alexandra cruiser]

even after all day touring,,,dressed in nice slacks and fancier top,,than I would have,,,wore comfortable shoes,,,not white sneakers,,,and felt fine,,,even better than others re.clothes,,etc...did grab a snack at a nearby restuarant,,,as we have 30 mins before show after bus dropped us off,,,not a real ballet o mane,,,but enjoyed performance,,,only suggestion,,,it was July and no AC,,,so really warm inside...got back to ship about 11pm,,,,some missed out on dinner and nothing available at that time....but I say,,,go for it...how often will you ever see a Russian ballet,,,even if not the "top of the line" one?????..Ps ...hubby was not as thrilled,,,sort of dragged him...to be honest...so maybe a female thing??:confused:

[CintiPam]

I am the contrarian on this one; just check out precisely what company will be dancing at the theater during the time you will visit, because it will not be the Kirov!

 

I went to the ballet during my four-day land visit a few years back and while enjoyable, we had a much more relaxed day schedule than you will on a two-day cruise visit. I plan to dine and relax on the ship in the evening because the next morning I will be up very, very early for intense day 2.