George Bush said he had admired the ballet. He wrote words of thanks and admiration on a card which he put into the basket of flowers given to the ballet company. Vladimir Putin sent the dancers a similar basket.
After the performance the distinguished guests met with the lead dancers in the White Lounge. They thanked the artists for their wonderful performance and the pleasure they had experienced.
At the end of the day the Russian and US leaders went on a short boat trip down the Neva River.