Kathmandu, August 31, 2026 - Russian ballet artist and choreographer Ekaterina Chernykh, a professional associated with the Bolshoi Theatre, performed alongside Nepali dancers in Kathmandu on Monday as part of Real Rhythm & Soul 2026, a gala celebrating artistic expression and cultural exchange between Russia and Nepal.
The annual programme, organized by Sushila Arts Academy (SAA) in collaboration with the Russian House in Kathmandu, was held at the D.A.V. Auditorium (Budha Hall) as part of cultural activities marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Nepal.
One of the major highlights of the evening was a presentation of classical Russian ballet featuring Chernykh and Nepali dancers. The performance included excerpts inspired by celebrated works such as “The Dying Swan” and the Russian Dance and Spanish Dance from Swan Lake. The performance introduced Kathmandu audiences to the distinctive elegance, discipline and expressive movement associated with the Russian classical ballet tradition, while creating an opportunity for Nepali dancers to perform alongside an internationally experienced ballet professional.
The gala brought together a wide range of artistic forms, including contemporary dance, aerial performance, Nepali and other cultural dances, Indian classical dance, hip-hop, breaking and B-boying, live violin, theatre and storytelling.
First launched in 2013, Rhythm and Soul has developed into a platform for artistic collaboration involving Nepali and international performers. The programme has also provided young Nepali dancers with opportunities to interact with experienced artists and gain exposure to different dance traditions.This year's edition carried additional significance as Russia and Nepal mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, established in 1956.
The participation of Russian and Nepali artists on a common stage underscored the role of culture and education in strengthening people-to-people relations and creating greater mutual understanding between the two countries.
Chernykh is a professional ballerina, teacher, coach, choreographer and director with experience in classical ballet, jazz, neoclassical and modern dance.A graduate of the Rostov Choreographic College, a branch of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, she participated in the historic reopening of the Bolshoi Theatre's main stage in 2011. She subsequently performed with the Moscow Ballet of Classical Choreography and has toured professionally in more than 70 countries. Her career includes participation in more than 50 productions and over 300 choreographic works. She has also conducted professional master classes and educational programmes in Russia, China, Spain and other countries.
Chernykh also conducted Russian ballet master classes at the Russian House in Kathmandu on August 29 as part of the anniversary programme. The sessions brought together Nepali choreography teachers, young dancers and students from Sushila Arts Academy and other participating groups. The classes focused on Russian ballet methodology, professional choreography techniques, movement and dance education.
The master classes provided an opportunity for Nepali practitioners to learn directly from an experienced Russian ballet professional while encouraging knowledge-sharing and professional exchange.
Beyond the individual performances, Real Rhythm & Soul 2026 presented an artistic narrative centred on self-belief, courage, kindness and unity. The production followed the story of Ash, a bird struggling to recognize his own worth. As the forest faced danger, Ash's courage, compassion and selflessness brought the characters together, ultimately leading to his transformation into the Phoenix. Through the story, the production conveyed the message that strength and beauty can emerge from within and that compassion and solidarity can inspire positive change.
Founded in 2012 by Yulia Koirala, Sushila Arts Academy was established in memory of Sushila Koirala, a respected Nepali dancer and theatre director. The academy works across music, dance, visual arts and theatre and operates a ballet school focused on arts education and nurturing young artists.
The Academy has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Russian House in Kathmandu through cultural and educational initiatives, including performing arts projects, drama classes and joint productions such as Anton Chekhov's The Seagull.
The programme also included a humanitarian component, with part of the funds raised through the gala concert intended to support people affected by devastating floods in Nepal. The initiative added a community-support dimension to the cultural programme, demonstrating how artistic events can contribute not only to cultural exchange but also to humanitarian solidarity.
Real Rhythm & Soul 2026 brought together professional artistic exchange, youth participation, arts education, cultural diversity and humanitarian support in a single programme. As Russia and Nepal commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations, the joint appearance of Russian and Nepali artists in Kathmandu offered a cultural expression of the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Through ballet, theatre, music, dance and arts education, the programme highlighted the continuing role of cultural diplomacy in bringing people together and deepening mutual understanding.
The Kathmandu gala also demonstrated how sustained artistic cooperation can create opportunities for young performers, encourage professional knowledge-sharing and build new avenues of cultural friendship between Russia and Nepal.
