The Russian National Ballet Theatre dances "Cinderella" at the Garde

Freedom to create: What exactly is the Russian National Ballet Theatre? It was created during the Perestroika period in the 1980s. That opening up of the former Soviet Union meant new freedom, too, for the country's dancers and choreographers. This company, first called the Soviet National Ballet, aimed to honor - and to invigorate -the classical Russian ballet tradition.

Present day: Now, the group, led by artistic director Elena Radchenko, has more than 50 dancers.

The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming: The Russian National Ballet Theatre will perform its version of "Cinderella" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Garde Arts Center. Dance fans may remember the troupe's 2011 visit to the Garde with "Swan Lake."

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"Cinderella," 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; The Russian National Ballet Theatre; $33-$53; (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.