The State Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatre of Perm returns to Ireland for the third time next week, this time with Swan Lake. The Perm Ballet Theatre, founded a century ago, acquired the traditions and standards of the famous Kirov when that company evacuated to Perm during the siege of Leningrad. Unique in that it draws all its dancers from its own school, the Perm Ballet Academy, the present company, includes the only western European ever accepted into its ranks: Monica Loughman from Santry, Dublin. It will again by led by the principals who won such praise on their last visit: Elena Kulagina, Vitaly Polschuk (pictured here), and Natalia Moiseeva. For one night in Cork only, there will be a concert programme which will include The Dying Swan, Gopak and highlights from 12 ballets including Le Corsaire, Nutcracker, and Don Quixote.