2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Russia (previously USSR) and China diplomatic relations, with both countries having played an enormous part in my life over the past 30 plus years, in both business, culture, and romance. To mark the occasion, the Guangzhou Acrobatic Troupe of China have developed a new form of ‘acrobatic ballet’ loosely based upon the Swan Lake ballet, but with additional acrobatic routines as part of the performance. It was staged at the Mariinsky Theatre in St.Petersburg, and I was lucky enough to attend. Part an homage to Tchaikovsky, part Chinese Cirque du Soleil, and part just mad, it’s quite the spectacle and an entertaining blend of East and West. I wonder what Mao and Stalin would have made of it. (more…)