The nation's chief ballet critic reviews the premiere of "Morozko" at the National Centre RUSSIA
The multi-genre performance "Morozko" at the National Centre RUSSIA was watched by one of the most well-respected experts in the world of choreography — Valeria Uralskaya, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation, laureate of the Prize of the Government of the Russian Federation, Candidate of Philosophy, Editor-in-Chief of the print version of the magazine "Ballet", and professor. Her professional eye singled out the most important aspects of the large-scale original production: a respectful treatment of national roots and a virtuosic conveyance of traditions to a new generation.
"Today, for the younger generation, even a word like 'ukhvat' (a Russian stove fork) from a Russian fairytale requires a lengthy explanation. I remember what complete bewilderment it caused in my own granddaughter; and it was very difficult for me to explain what the ukhvat was, because first I had to talk about the Russian stove, and so on, and so forth. Therefore, the very appearance of characters from Russian folklore — Morozko, Ruslan, and the Firebird, on stage — is already extremely important. It introduces young people to the images that have lived in our poetic tradition, in our operas and ballets," noted Valeria Uralskaya, drawing a parallel with the modern audience.
The critic paid special attention to the performance's choreographic language: "As a specialist in ballet, I could not help but note one very axiologically important detail: all the good forces in the performance were accompanied by clear, defined forms — classical or folk dance. Whereas the dark, malevolent characters were expressed through more abstract, 'unfinished' movement. And as a ballet scholar and specialist in this field, I cannot but endorse this approach."
Speaking about the significance of the production as a whole, Valeria Uralskaya emphasised its cultural and educational mission.
"Addressing one's own, 'distinctive' subject matter is an undertaking that requires enormous effort. But the most important thing here is that the performers did this with pleasure, responsibility, and high skill. It is also very important that the children in the audience were very absorbed by the performance and believed in it all completely — which means the performers and organisers conveyed everything correctly," concluded Valeria Uralskaya.
The original multi-genre performance "Morozko" became the main New Year's premiere of the National Centre RUSSIA, and was first presented on the main stage on 27 December. At the heart of the plot is the story of a modern-day family that has lost warmth and unity in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through the journey of the girl named Nastenka into a fairytale world and the trials that her loved ones undergo to bring her back, the performance reminds spectators of the importance of family warmth and traditions, love, kindness, and respect between generations.
The next showings of "Morozko" will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 30 December, from 6 to 11, and on 14 January 2026. To attend the performance free of charge, you need to register on the website Russia.ru in the "Events" section.
