Birthday greetings to Rector of Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, People's Artist of Russia Nikolai Tsiskaridze 2018-12-31 10:00:00 Vladimir Putin extended birthday greetings to ballet dancer and teacher, Rector of the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet Nikolai Tsiskaridze. The message reads, in part: “You have always worked hard and enthusiastically and have achieved truly outstanding results in your creative endeavors; you have become famous as the brilliant Bolshoi Theater lead dancer, a respected teacher and mentor – a true devotee who has dedicated his professional career and his entire life to ballet. And of course, I must note your popular social activity and significant personal contribution to the development of the remarkable traditions of national culture.”