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Russian Seasons in Thailand: Moiseyev Ballet and the art of silk

Prepared by: Dmitry Fedorov

A report from Prince Mahidol Hall on 4 November: the Igor Moiseyev Ballet, Nina Ruchkina’s silk-scarf exhibition and encounters between Russian and Thai artists.

Igor Moiseyev Ballet dancers in white shirts perform high split leaps in “Summer”.
The Igor Moiseyev Ballet performs the Russian dance “Summer” at Prince Mahidol Hall on 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Silk scarves in the foyer and folk dances on stage brought two different views of Russian culture to Prince Mahidol Hall on 4 November 2026. At Mahidol University’s Salaya campus, near Bangkok, the Igor Moiseyev Ballet presented “Dances of Russia and the World”, while designer Nina Ruchkina’s “Silk Map of Russia” exhibition invited visitors to explore the country through textile design.

The evening was the second of two concerts on 3 and 4 November, held under the international Russian Seasons programme. According to the Russian Embassy in Thailand, around 2,000 people attended the two performances combined. The concerts marked Russia’s National Unity Day and the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia.

A cultural map on silk

Before entering the auditorium, visitors could examine scarf designs inspired by Russia’s landmarks, regional traditions and crafts. Displayed in frames, the works brought together such subjects as Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Buddhist Ivolginsky Datsan and Gzhel’s distinctive blue-and-white patterns.
Framed silk-scarf designs arranged across the foyer of Prince Mahidol Hall.
Nina Ruchkina’s “Silk Map of Russia” exhibition in the foyer of Prince Mahidol Hall on 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Ruchkina, the creator of the Russkie v Mode accessory brand, describes the scarf as a means of cultural exchange. Radio Orpheus quotes her as saying: “We are delighted that the scarf, a national symbol of Russia, is once again a vibrant part of cultural diplomacy.”

Radio Orpheus report on the ensemble’s visit and exhibition

Dances of Russia and the World

The programme opened with the Russian dance “Summer”: couples and ensemble formations gave way to high leaps across the stage. Kalmyk and Tatar dances followed, while the Nanai folk game “Two Children Wrestling” introduced a comic interlude before the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”.

After the interval, long red ribbons traced sweeping arcs in the Chinese dance. Fans and measured formations shaped the Korean “Sanchonga”; Mexican dances, the “Aragonese Jota”, the Argentine “Gaucho” and “Mongolian Statuette” brought further changes of rhythm and character.
Dancers circle long red ribbons above their heads in the Chinese Ribbon Dance.
Red ribbons sweep across the stage during the Chinese Ribbon Dance in the second half. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The finale, “Yablochko” from the naval suite “A Day Aboard Ship”, combined group sequences, solo turns and acrobatic feats. All the works were choreographed by Igor Moiseyev, who founded the ensemble in 1937.

Mahidol University’s concert programme

Cultural exchange beyond the stage

In its account of the visit, the Russian Embassy names Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin and Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture, Yuthika Isarangkura, among those who delivered welcome addresses. Tomikhin highlighted the contribution of cultural encounters to friendship and mutual understanding ahead of the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The wider programme’s purpose had also been outlined by Yuthika at its opening in Bangkok on 27 February 2026. Speaking then as Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, she said Russian Seasons would help in “strengthening mutual understanding, deepening people-to-people ties, and developing cultural cooperation”, according to the organisers’ published account.

Yuthika’s remarks at the Russian Seasons opening on 27 February 2026

The exchange also extended to local dancers. On 2 November, members of the Moiseyev ensemble, led by Artistic Director and Director Alexander Tikhonov, gave a masterclass for leading soloists of Thailand’s Katyusha Russian folk dance ensemble, the Embassy reported. Katyusha’s founder and Artistic Director, Ekaterina Alekseeva, attended the concert with her Thai students.
Ekaterina Alekseeva stands with four Katyusha students in red-and-gold folk costumes.
Ekaterina Alekseeva with her Thai students from the Katyusha Russian folk dance ensemble. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
After the final bows, performers and audience members met on stage for group photographs and autographs. The conversations and signed posters carried the evening beyond the performance itself.
Alexander Tikhonov applauds beside dancers lined up at the theatre curtain.
Artistic Director and Director Alexander Tikhonov with the ensemble’s dancers after the final bows. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.

Where to see the exhibition next

“Silk Map of Russia” is scheduled to run at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre from 17 to 29 November 2026, at the Curved Wall on the fifth floor. BACC lists its opening hours as 10:00–20:00, Tuesday to Sunday, with the centre closed on Mondays.

Exhibition details at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

Full photo report

Download the attached 49-page English report for the complete photo chronicle, concert programme, official posters and source notes.

Photographs by Wongwarit Meelarp, except the photograph of Vitaly Kiselev, Ann Marin and Dmitry Fedorov, which was supplied to the editors. Prepared by Dmitry Fedorov for the Thai-Russian Chamber of Commerce.

Documents

Report

Russian Seasons in Thailand — 4 November 2026: Photo Report

TRCC’s 49-page English report from Prince Mahidol Hall on 4 November 2026 covers the Igor Moiseyev Ballet, Nina Ruchkina’s “Silk Map of Russia” exhibition and encounters with Thai performers. It includes 71 photographs, two official posters, the concert programme, sources and details of the BACC exhibition. Prepared by Dmitry Fedorov. Photographs 01–70 by Wongwarit Meelarp; photograph 71 supplied to the editors.

Download document

Media

Colourful birds and flowers on a scarf design displayed in the exhibition.
A bird-and-flower scarf design from Nina Ruchkina’s “Silk Map of Russia” exhibition. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Patterns and colour combinations in individual exhibition works.
Patterns and colour combinations in individual exhibition works. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The introductory panel for “Silk Map of Russia”, with information about the project.
The introductory panel for “Silk Map of Russia”, with information about the project. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Silk scarves framed as works of art in their own right.
Silk scarves framed as works of art in their own right. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Prince Mahidol Hall’s glass façade and entrance steps at Salaya.
Prince Mahidol Hall on Mahidol University’s Salaya campus, the venue for the Russian Seasons concerts on 3–4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A portrait outside the concert hall before the programme.
A portrait outside the concert hall before the programme. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Participants in red and gold costumes beside the exhibition displays.
Participants in red and gold costumes beside the exhibition displays. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Visitors explore the exhibition and read the accompanying notes.
Visitors explore the exhibition and read the accompanying notes. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Welcoming visitors at the registration desk.
Welcoming visitors at the registration desk. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Guests pose for photographs in front of the Russian Seasons backdrop.
Guests pose for photographs in front of the Russian Seasons backdrop. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Ekaterina Alekseeva, Igor Brovarnik and Evgeny Belenky with a guest at the event.
Ekaterina Alekseeva, Igor Brovarnik and Evgeny Belenky with a guest at the event. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Guests meet in the foyer before the opening ceremony.
Guests meet in the foyer before the opening ceremony. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Guests gather in the foyer before the opening ceremony and concert.
Guests gather in the foyer before the opening ceremony and concert. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Guests listen to welcome remarks at the exhibition opening.
Guests listen to welcome remarks at the exhibition opening. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The presenters on stage during the opening of the evening.
The presenters on stage during the opening of the evening. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Welcome remarks during the exhibition opening.
Welcome remarks during the exhibition opening. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A wide view of the ceremony in the foyer during an address.
A wide view of the ceremony in the foyer during an address. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
An address to guests beside the exhibition displays.
An address to guests beside the exhibition displays. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Two guests cut a red Russian Seasons ribbon in front of the scarf displays.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the exhibition opening in Prince Mahidol Hall. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Cutting the ribbon to open the silk scarf exhibition.
Cutting the ribbon to open the silk scarf exhibition. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Nina Ruchkina, Alexander Tikhonov and Evgeny Tomikhin at the Russian Seasons backdrop.
From left: designer Nina Ruchkina, the ensemble’s Artistic Director and Director Alexander Tikhonov, and Russian Ambassador Evgeny Tomikhin at the exhibition opening. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The auditorium before the stage programme begins.
The auditorium before the stage programme begins. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The auditorium during the formal proceedings, with Thailand’s flag on the screen.
The auditorium during the formal proceedings, with Thailand’s flag on the screen. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A speaker at a microphone beneath the Russian Seasons title on stage.
A welcome address before the Russian Seasons concert at Prince Mahidol Hall. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A welcome address under the stage lights.
A welcome address under the stage lights. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A woman addresses the auditorium from a lectern beside the Russian Seasons backdrop.
A welcome address from the lectern before the concert at Prince Mahidol Hall. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Audience members in the front rows during the evening programme.
Audience members in the front rows during the evening programme. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The Russian dance “Summer” opens the first half.
The Russian dance “Summer” opens the first half. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
An ensemble formation in the Russian dance “Summer”.
An ensemble formation in the Russian dance “Summer”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Dancing couples form a diagonal in the Russian dance “Summer”.
Dancing couples form a diagonal in the Russian dance “Summer”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The Kalmyk Dance in the first half of the concert.
The Kalmyk Dance in the first half of the concert. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A leap sequence in the Kalmyk Dance.
A leap sequence in the Kalmyk Dance. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A solo passage in “Tatarochka-Chernomorochka”.
A solo passage in “Tatarochka-Chernomorochka”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The choreographic composition “Tatarochka-Chernomorochka”.
The choreographic composition “Tatarochka-Chernomorochka”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The Russian dance “Polyanka”, performed by the Igor Moiseyev ensemble.
The Russian dance “Polyanka”, performed by the Igor Moiseyev ensemble. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A diagonal formation in the Russian dance “Polyanka”.
A diagonal formation in the Russian dance “Polyanka”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A performer presents the comic wrestling scene against a wintry landscape backdrop.
The Nanai folk game “Two Children Wrestling” in the Igor Moiseyev Ballet programme. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The end of the miniature “Two Children Wrestling”.
The end of the miniature “Two Children Wrestling”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A comic passage in the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”.
A comic passage in the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The women’s group in the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”.
The women’s group in the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A scene from the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”.
A scene from the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
An ensemble scene from the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”.
An ensemble scene from the Moldovan suite “Khitry Mokanu”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
In the foyer during the interval.
In the foyer during the interval. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A group formation in the Chinese Ribbon Dance.
A group formation in the Chinese Ribbon Dance. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Dancers in green costumes hold open red fans in a line across the stage.
The Korean dance “Sanchonga”, performed with fans at Prince Mahidol Hall. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A fan pattern in the Korean dance “Sanchonga”.
A fan pattern in the Korean dance “Sanchonga”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The men’s section of the Mexican dance suite.
The men’s section of the Mexican dance suite. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The Mexican dance suite “Sapateo” and “Avalyulko”.
The Mexican dance suite “Sapateo” and “Avalyulko”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The “Aragonese Jota” in the second half.
The “Aragonese Jota” in the second half. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A wide view of the “Aragonese Jota”.
A wide view of the “Aragonese Jota”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Three performers in “Gaucho”, the dance of Argentine herdsmen.
Three performers in “Gaucho”, the dance of Argentine herdsmen. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A dancer in dark Argentine-style costume performs a solo in blue stage light.
“Gaucho”, the dance of Argentine herdsmen, in the Igor Moiseyev Ballet programme. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
“Mongolian Statuette” under the stage lights.
“Mongolian Statuette” under the stage lights. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A solo passage from “Mongolian Statuette”.
A solo passage from “Mongolian Statuette”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Two dancers in sailor costumes perform an acrobatic lift against a sea backdrop.
An acrobatic passage in “Yablochko”, from the naval suite “A Day Aboard Ship”. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A scene with a button accordion in “Yablochko”.
A scene with a button accordion in “Yablochko”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
An ensemble scene in the closing number, “Yablochko”.
An ensemble scene in the closing number, “Yablochko”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The closing sequences of “Yablochko”.
The closing sequences of “Yablochko”. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
The dancers’ final appearance after the concert programme.
The dancers’ final appearance after the concert programme. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Alexander Alexandrovich Tikhonov during the closing applause.
Alexander Alexandrovich Tikhonov during the closing applause. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Alexander Alexandrovich Tikhonov, the ensemble’s Artistic Director and Director, after the concert.
Alexander Alexandrovich Tikhonov, the ensemble’s Artistic Director and Director, after the concert. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A large group of dancers and guests pose beneath the Russian Seasons backdrop.
Performers and guests gather on stage after the Russian Seasons concert. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A dancer in a red-and-white costume signs a poster held by a guest.
A dancer signs a concert poster for audience members after the performance. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
A group photograph with the dancers and the signed concert poster.
A group photograph with the dancers and the signed concert poster. Russian Seasons, 4 November 2026. Photo: Wongwarit Meelarp.
Vitaly Kiselev, Ann Marin and Dmitry Fedorov stand together before a colourful Russian Seasons backdrop.
From left: Vitaly Kiselev, Ann Marin and Dmitry Fedorov at the Russian Seasons backdrop. Photograph supplied to the editors.