In 1977, Boris Eifman organized the Leningrad New Ballet company, later called the St. Petersburg State Academic Theatre of Ballet. In the midst of state-run theaters, this was something to behold. The troupe was the only one in Russia that nurtured modern choreography — something beyond tutus and pointe shoes. It has evolved into Eifman Ballet, still state funded, but with plenty of outside investors as well. Eifman, a creator of more than 40 ballets is the only living Russian choreographer with a creative resume on a par with the most up-and-coming Western choreographers.”