In Soviet times, it was traditional for schoolchildren to buy presents for their favorite teachers.
This month, the favorite teacher at the Mariinsky Theater was the American choreographer Patricia Neary, who was recognized by the theater's leading dancers with diamond earrings.
Ms Neary is one of only a few heirs to the great George Balanchine's legacy of abstract ballet. When she danced at the New York City Ballet, she blossomed into one of his top dancers. In 1968, he selected her personally to teach his choreography -- an honor bestowed on less than 10 choreographers in the world.
She will continue her work by staging Symphony in C (music by Bizet, staged by Balanchine in 1947 for L'Opera de Paris with the name Le Palais de Cristal), which will be the first time it is shown in Russia.
Why did the Mariinsky company invite an American choreographer to stage the piece?
"First of all, we do not have the rights to stage the ballet by ourselves," said Sergey Vikharev.
Secondly, perhaps more romantically and less pragmatically, Vikharev said, "It is very important to teach a ballet `from feet to feet,' as we say. Patricia was taught by Balanchine and can pass along his style of dancing without any losses."
He said Balanchine's style was much faster and more complicated than the usual technique. "To dance `Symphony in C is a great change from the usual repertoire."
Ms Neary said she noticed the difference. "Maybe my speed in the beginning was a shock for Mariinsky dancers," she said. "Nobody said it to me but I guessed."
She said she believes Balanchine to be the greatest choreographer of this century; so great she finds herself dancing along with Mariinsky dancers at rehearsals.