Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

His leap may have less loft, but Leningrad State Ballet artistic director Farouk Ruzimatov still possesses the poise and élan that younger dancers can only dream of. Answering the calls of his Japanese fans, the 46-year-old will return to the stage to perform in his company’s remarkable 20th tour of Japan. The troupe has taken the stage here some 1,000 times, with the exotic Ruzimatov being the biggest draw. The improbably long-limbed Uzbek native will make what he says is his final appearance in La Bayadère, as well as an omnibus “Special Gala.” The company will also present Tchaikovsky’s Big Three: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty.

The Leningrad State Ballet
Prestigious ballet company performs six classics in celebration of their 20th tour in Japan. The Nutcracker: Dec 19-23, various times, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho; Dec 25, 3pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Orchard Hall, Shibuya; New Year Special Ballet: Jan 2, 3pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho; Swan Lake: Jan 3, 12pm and 4:30pm; Jan 4, 12pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Tokyo International Forum, Yurakucho; Jan 9 & 11, 3pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Well City Tokyo, Shinjuku; La Bayadère: Jan 6 & 8, 6:30pm, ¥7,000 (D)/¥9,000 (C)/¥11,000 (B)/¥13,000 (A)/¥15,000 (S). Orchard Hall, Shibuya; Special Gala: Jan 10, 5pm, ¥7,000 (D)/¥9,000 (C)/¥11,000 (B)/¥13,000 (A)/¥15,000 (S). Orchard Hall, Shibuya; Sleeping Beauty: Jan 16, 5pm; Jan 17, 1pm, ¥5,000 (D)/¥7,000 (C)/¥9,000 (B)/¥11,000 (A)/¥13,000 (S). Orchard Hall, Shibuya. Tel: 03-3943-9999.