There are few things that go together as well as ‘ballet’ and ‘Russia’. So when we visited Russia we knew we had to visit the Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg. We saw Don Quixote ballet on a visit with kids and loved it.
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History of the Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg
The Mariinsky Theatre is a beautiful building. Steeped in history and beautiful in duck egg blue.
Opened in 1860 it became the place where Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov showed their masterpieces on the stage.
Today it stands close to the centre of St Petersburg. And is one of those must-visit places when you are in the city.
Visiting the Mariinsky with kids
But with children…Is it possible?
We decided we had to give it a go.
I think the decision as to whether to visit something like the ballet with children has to be with the parents. Only you know your children and whether they will be interested enough to sit quietly.
My children were young when we visited – two and a half, five and seven. But I knew they would enjoy it enough to be quiet. Or at least I hoped they would.
Don Quixote
We booked tickets to see Don Quixote. Which had its world premiere on 14 December 1869 at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
It came to St Petersburg for the first time in 1902.
A review of the Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre
Walking into the Mariinsky Theatre was so exciting.
You could feel the history in the opulent designs and beautiful interiors. Everyone was walking around dressed up, although not everyone in full dress clothes so we didn’t feel under-dressed.
It felt amazing to be in such a wonderful location. Although I was still apprehensive about the children not disturbing everyone.
This was undoubtedly an adult venue but there were a few children there…just not many and not as young as mine.
As it happened I had nothing to worry about.
As soon as the orchestra started up and the dancers came on stage all three children were absolutely entranced.
There was so much to see, including a real donkey being brought on, that there was no chance to be distracted.
They sat and watched the full first act (which was what we had decided to stay for) without a murmur.
At the first interval (around 40 minutes in) we took our leave. A bit sadly as I would have loved to have stayed for the whole ballet but they are very long, at nearly three hours, and I think one Act was enough for my three.
We got to see the ballet in one of its spiritual homes in Russia and for that, I feel so happy. And I know we will all remember the experience.
Find out more about the Mariinsky Theatre here and check out more of our travels across Russia with kids here.
Have you been to the ballet? And would you take your children?
Visiting Piterland, St Petersburg with kids
A visit to the Peterhof’s gardens and fountains, St Petersburg
OOH what a beautiful experience
That building magical
I have ever been to the ballet ever
What an absolutely beautiful place and incredible experience. Something to remember forever!
What a gorgeous looking theatre, so much to look at.
What an amazing experience for you all! I still vividly remember being taken to the ballet as a small girl – I adored it!
What a gorgeous building. I have been to see the Nutcracker – i loved it
That is very long but what a stunning building x
What a beautiful place i have never seen anywhere like it. Thanks so much for sharing xxx
What a beautiful theatre and an amazing experience. I am not sure my youngest would sit through it but I’d love to go!
What An experience, I love ballet and would love to do something like this.
I’ve been to the ballet, once. I won tickets in a competition and it was a Russian ballet. It was amazing!
That looks like such an amazing theatre. No I haven’t taken my boys and don’t think they would be able to sit still and quiet personally.
Wow what a magical experience this must have been x
Wow, this place is magical!
I’ve never seen a ballet but I want to go one day.
What an amazing experience. This looks like a very beautiful place and I like that everyone dressed up for it. Such a special occasion. It’s great that your children enjoyed it and sat so nicely for it. A real donkey on stage-what a treat 🙂
Now that is am amazing once in a lifetime experience. I adore the ballet, but the boys not so much!
Wow! That must have been one stunning experience. I have only watched ballet on TV and would love to watch a live performance.
Wow, it’s gorgeous, what a wonderful experience. I love ballet but the husband isn’t very keen so I’ve only been a couple of times.
Oh wow! What an amazing show! I always wanted to see ballet myself 🙂
I love ballet and to watch it in St Petersburg must have been amazing, even if it was only for one act.
Oh what a stunning theatre, so grand.
Stunning theatre…….nit sure mine would sit through 3 hours either!
I accidentally found your blog and I am impressed by your description of Moscow.
I am Russian Dad (not a Muscovite, but I live in the immediate area).
So I want to give some recommendations on the topic of what to do in Moscow with children.
A little about ballet.
be within depth of the ballet show quite difficult for children, so they often are bored at the ballet.
Therefore, I recommend going to Cinderella performance in Moscow Academic Music Theatre. The popular story will allow them to understand what is happening on the stage, and the brilliant ballet really like an adult. My daughters were very happy.
I am so sorry for the delay in reply to you, I have only just seen your message. Thank you so much for the recommendation – we really want to return to see more of Russia so I will add this to the list!