One of the largest and most spectacular ceremonies in the history of the city was held in January 2016. Unusual decorations were set on the large glade of the ice palace so that ice artists could perform in tandem with artists on stage: dancers, acrobats, aerialists. A large ball was hung from above, symbolizing a game ball, which, with the help of a projection, turns either into the sun or into a character. The plot of the ceremony was thought out to the smallest detail: each segment conveyed a certain era, and with the help of costumes, music and choreography, they colorfully depicted both the Maslenitsa festivities and the Industrial Age.
This project triggered a whole series of colorful opening ceremonies of sport events, becoming an example of a successful synthesis of sports and art.

Director: Ilya Averbukh
Choreographers: Evgeny Prisyazhny, Boris Temkin, Maria Raskina
Producer: Ekaterina Tsanava
Set designer: Nina Kobiashvili
Ice Ballet Director: Maria Orlova
Light and projection: Radugadesign