RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The Cultural Section of the Russian Embassy held a press conference at the Russian House on June Wednesday, 17 to announce a special Russian Classical Ballet Concert commemorating the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of the Russian School of Ballet and Dancing.
The landmark cultural event: a spectacular Russian Classical Ballet Concert featuring students of the Russian School of Ballet and Dancing. The performance will take place on 27th June at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo.
Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian House, Maria Popova, briefed the media on the upcoming concert. Buddhapriya Ramanayake, CEO of the Russian Centre, Chandi Aluvihare, Cultural Officer, and Galina Pleshakova, Founding Instructor, also addressed the media.
This special concert holds dual significance, celebrating two major milestones: the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of the Russian School of Ballet and Dancing and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and Sri Lanka. Russian classical ballet has long served as a cultural bridge between the two nations, and this event reflects the enduring strength of that bilateral connection. Approximately 690 students are set to participate in this historic performance, making it a landmark occasion for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.
The event, titled “Once Upon a Silver Stage,” will feature two sessions (10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) to accommodate high public demand. The concert will showcase the talent and dedication of the school’s young ballerinas through classical ballet performances inspired by the rich traditions of Russian dance, with breathtaking performances and special surprises promised for audiences.
The school has since grown from humble beginnings to now nurturing a few 100 students across Sri Lanka, with students recently took part in the 2025 Examinations overseen by the Moscow State Academy of Choreography . The school has been instrumental in preserving and passing on the traditions of Russian ballet and folk dance in Sri Lanka.
The concert is organized under the patronage of Madam Maria Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy and Director of the Russian House, Buddhapriya Ramanayake CEO of the Russian Centre, Mrs. Chandi Aluvihare, Cultural Officer and Founding Instructor Mrs. Galina Pleshakova, Other senior instructors include Mrs. Samantha Samararatne, Mrs Niluka Madurawela, Mrs Radeesha Bodiyabadu, Mrs Shenaalie Dias and Mrs Inolka Perera, along with the junior instructors, Mrs Kavishka Premathilake, Miss Nikini Fonseka, , Miss Vihini Samarasekara, Miss Indeevara Miltaso and assistant teachers Mrs Ashani Perera, Mrs Oshinika Nethmini
The Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affair Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, are expected to arrive as chief guests for the two shows along with other Ambassadors’ and Diplomatic mission around Colombo, high profile individuals from state and non-state institutions and media organizations.
