Stop Supporting The Heritage Ballet's Performances in Sweden

Introduction:
'Czech' ballet The Heritage Ballet, advertised as an independent cultural group, has deep connections with Russia's political and military establishment. Investigations reveal that this organization, despite its claims, continues to maintain affiliations with entities linked to state propaganda and aggression. Hosting such performances in Sweden risks lending credibility to these ties and undermining ethical cultural standards. This balett under another brand name has been petitioned once before in South Africa 2023 with almost 7000 signatures.

Se link to that Change.org petition HERE.

Background:

The Heritage Ballet operates under SPBT Entertainment s.r.o, a Czech-based entity. Despite assertions of severing ties with the Russian St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre (SPBT) in 2018, evidence shows a continued relationship. This includes shared promotional activities, overlapping personnel, and financial entanglements. It is also stated in the marketing info that they have hired dancers from Ukraine. Yet is the ballet very anonymous on internet and in social media. Nowhere is a support for Ukraine found.

Key revelations: Leadership have connections to Russian military-linked institutions, such as Rosconcert and a Russian company 'Russian Army Song- and Dance Ensemble' owned by the prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova from SPBT also visible on the promotion pictures for The Heritage Ballet.

The group has operated from venues affiliated with Russia's Western Military District in St. Petersburg, "Dom Ofitserov", a propaganda hub. That is a place where Russian special forces GRU Spetsnaz and similar groups have their meetings.

Ownership links russian man Sergey Kuryerov to Czech company SPBT Entertainment s.r.o in Prague, whose offshore entities are tied to allegations of money laundering and financial misconduct.

Upcoming Tour in Sweden: In 2025, The Heritage Ballet is scheduled to perform in several prominent Swedish venues, with tickets available on Ticketmaster and Tickster. The tour includes:

January 2025

10.01: Cirkus, Stockholm – Swan Lake
11.01: Cirkus, Stockholm – The Nutcracker

May 2025

16.05: Västerås Konserthus
17.05 & 21.05: Göteborg Konserthus
18.05: Malmö Live
19.05: Jönköping Konserthus & Kongress
22.05: Uppsala Konsert & Kongress
23.05: Linköping Konsert & Kongress
24.05 & 25.05: Cirkus, Stockholm
29.05: Örebro Konserthus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why This Matters:

By allowing such performances, Sweden’s cultural institutions risk supporting an organization tied to unethical practices and state propaganda. At a time when Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and the international community condemns these actions, hosting The Heritage Ballet sends a conflicting message.

Call to Action:
We call on Swedish concert venues to cancel The Heritage Ballet’s performances and for ticketing platforms to reconsider their involvement. Cultural spaces should champion values of democracy, peace, and human rights. Sweden must ensure that its stages are not used to further hidden agendas.

Sign the Petition:
Join us in urging Swedish decision-makers to prioritize ethical cultural representation and take a stand against manipulation. Together, we can preserve integrity in the arts and send a message of solidarity with democratic principles.