The message reads, in part:
“This significant date is a big event in the public and cultural life of the country, a major landmark in domestic choreographic art. Established back in 1738, the Academy is rightfully considered one of the world’s oldest ballet schools with a rich history and great traditions.
You can be justifiably proud of your talented teachers and the brilliant constellation of graduates that have made a truly unique contribution to the development of Russian ballet. It is symbolic that the Academy celebrates its anniversary in the year of the 200th birth anniversary of Marius Petipa, an outstanding ballet master whose name and fruitful career embody a whole epoch in the Academy’s life.
It is gratifying that you have managed to preserve the intrinsic link of the times, the ideas and precepts of your predecessors and the atmosphere of spirituality and creativity. You continue to add to the glory of Russian ballet and give people the joy of genuine art.”