Xander Parish is the principal dancer at the famous Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. He was the first British to join the troupe eight years ago and has had a brilliant career in one of the world's best ballet troupes.
Xander takes us behind the scenes at the historic Mariinsky Theatre and tells us about the everyday life of a ballet dancer. We meet Xander's colleagues, friends and his teacher, the director of the Mariinsky Ballet, Yuri Fateev, who played a big role in his life and his decision to come to Russia. We accompany Xander as he prepares for two ballets at the Mariinsky, "Paquita" and "Le Corsaire", from make-up, costumes and rehearsals to the show, right through to the end.
Our hero explains what character traits have helped him achieve success in Russia and shows us his favourite places in St. Petersburg: St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
Xander tells us about his experience in Russia and explains how much work and dedication it takes to achieve success in the world of dance.
