May There Be a Ball!

On 13 January 2026, from 19:00 to 00:30, the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus will host the Old New Year's Ball, bringing together connoisseurs of exquisite, beautiful, and inspiring festivities for the seventeenth time.

This year's theme is Time, and audiences can expect a philosophical, mystical, and multifaceted narrative about the creative force that is the beginning of all things and what shapes the past, present, and future. Director Yuliana Shirmo promises an atmosphere of sparkling lights, encounters with unexpected heroes and incredible characters.

Traditionally, there will be two balls on the programme: the opening ball, a solemn celebration full of grandeur and grace, and the miracle ball. This evening promises to be a magical opportunity to encounter the little spirits of Time, leave a mark on the "score of eternity," chat about etiquette with Princess Turandot, or take vocal lessons from the Phantom of the Opera.

For those who choose not to participate in the dance programme, a programme offering masterclasses in classical dance, etiquette, vocal performance, and much more is available. All theatre ensembles will participate in the ball: opera and ballet performers, orchestra, chorus, supernumeraries, and young talents from the Children's Studio.

In their attire selection, the audience is encouraged to be inspired by the evening's theme. Masks as if woven from the shadows of the past, gloves with intricate patterns resembling minute hands, hats adorned with miniature hourglasses or brooches shaped like dials – all these are not mere costume details but threads weaving the audience into the fabric of “Phantasmagoria of Time.”

‘The atmosphere at the ball will be contemplative, radiant, and iridescent, where time seems to stop... and then begin again,’ Yuliana Shirmo says.

The first rehearsal for participants of the dance programme took place on 10 November. As per tradition, access to these rehearsal sessions is granted through the purchase of a ticket for the ball. Please note that tickets can only be purchased at the box office of the theatre. The price of a ticket is 350 rubles.

It is important also to note that the assembling of the dance programme participants concluded on 8 December.

This year, the production team of the ball event includes conductor Vitalyi Hryshchanka, choreographer Yuliya Dziatko, director Yuliana Shirmo, and designers Lyubov Sidelnikova, Alexander Yushkevich, and Ekaterina Bulgakova.