The restoration of the Yakobson Ballet Theatre is being completed in St. Petersburg

Two wings are ready - modern renovation inside, rehearsal halls are equipped with everything necessary.

Restoration of the rehearsal halls of the Yakobson Ballet Theatre is being completed in St. Petersburg. The former premises of the auction stables and the arena were handed over to the company back in the early 70s. Now the company performs at different venues, but rehearsals were held in the old halls, where the winter temperature was only plus fifteen. Because of the dampness, the dancers literally breathed mould. The restoration of the building began three years ago. The rotunda has already been restored to its historical appearance. A transparent light lantern has reappeared in the dome. The window apertures, which were concreted after the war, have been freed. Two wings are ready - inside are modern repairs, rehearsal rooms are equipped with everything necessary.

"The theatre will have its own house. Of course it is good to have other stages, but I believe that this stage will be no worse than others. It will be possible to stage their performances here, rehearsals are already taking place, they are slowly starting to master the space, but there is still a lot of work to be done," said Alexander Beglov, the governor of St Petersburg.

"A unique place! We have unique equipment here now, everything has been done so that in the future we will work here and invite wonderful Russian choreographers, our star choreographers and wonderful artists," commented Andrian Fadeev, Artistic Director - Director of the Yakobson Ballet Theatre, Honoured Artist of Russia.