On May 17, 2026, the Marble Hall of the Russian Museum of Ethnography transformed into the stage for a grand dance performance. The Rector’s Ball of St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University «LETI», dedicated to the university’s 140th anniversary, brought together more than five hundred participants and guests. The ball was organized by the project «Student Mentorship at LETI» with the support of the university administration and the Endowment Fund for the Development of ETU «LETI».

Ten weeks of intensive preparation, over 100 couples who underwent a choreographic intensive under the guidance of professional choreographers, as well as a series of etiquette lectures – all of this allowed the ball’s participants not only to masterfully perform classical ballroom dances but also to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of history and tradition. The Rector’s Ball became one of the most spectacular and event-packed highlights of the university’s anniversary celebration program.

The ball commenced with the ceremonial dance «Polonaise» – a grand procession of couples and honored guests to the sound of fanfares. The Rector of ETU «LETI», Viktor Nikolaevich Sheludko, opened the ball and delivered a welcoming address to those present.

«The tradition of organizing charity student balls originated at the Electrotechnical Institute back in the 19th century. And in the early 20th century, the first elected director of ETI, Alexander Stepanovich Popov, personally oversaw the organization of this large-scale event. I want to thank all the participants and organizers of the ball – the project « Student Mentorship» and the Student Council – for their devoted care and for preserving the traditions of the First Electrotechnical University. This is our connection to the past, our respect for LETI’s rich history, and the preservation of our «LETI cultural code».

Rector of ETU «LETI» Viktor Nikolaevich Sheludko

 

Viktor Nikolaevich Sheludko specifically addressed the honorary guests: «All of you are LETI graduates from different years. Today, you are successful professionals, prominent leaders, and you represent the glory and pride of LETI. I thank you for maintaining your connection with your alma mater. And all of us – the LETI community – through our actions, academic successes, and professional achievements – contribute to the development and promotion of our native university». 

The evening continued with a rich dance program that intertwined classical and contemporary rhythms. The graceful Pas de Patineur, reminiscent of gliding across mirrored ice, gave way to the passionate Pas d’Espagne with its proud posture and staccato rhythm. The lively Carnival Polka swept everyone up in a merry whirl, while the poignant Tango, danced in a chessboard formation of couples, added a note of drama to the evening. The airy Spanish Waltz and the shimmering Pearl Waltz became special highlights of the ball.

The musical program of the ball was provided by members of the Art Center under the direction of Natalia Sergeevna Loktionova. Exquisite vocal performances on stage were delivered by: soloist of the LETI vocal studio Diana Shotovskaya, LETI student Pyotr Lyzlov, soloist of the Academic Chapel of St. Petersburg and choirmaster of the LETI Academic Choir, university graduate Vladimir Kozelov.

The evening’s guests not only enjoyed the participants’ performances but also enthusiastically joined in the action, learning the Crystal Waltz on the spot, playing the ballroom games «Rucheyok» (The Brook) and the Cotillion «Snowball», and spinning with delight in the fast-paced Viennese Waltz. A touching highlight of the evening was a dance performed by LETI faculty and staff called «The Lacemaker», while the final spectacular dance performed by the event’s organizers was a true gift for everyone present.

On this evening, an honorary guest of the Rector’s Ball, Director and Chief Designer of the Central Research and Development Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics (CRDI RTC), Alexander Vitalievich Lopota, addressed his congratulations to the university.

«LETI has now gained a «second wind”, a new stage of active development in an era of rapidly changing processes. The foundational knowledge developed at LETI, the ability to work with electronics – this is precisely what the state needs today. The development of the entire country depends on the leadership and the future professionals. What to wish for the university in this celebratory year? It seems to me that now is the time to work actively, implement new technologies, and dedicate your life, dedicate your destiny, to creating new technologies and developing new personnel, to nurturing future technological leaders».

Director and Chief Designer of the Central Research and Development Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics (CRDI RTC) Alexander Vitalievich Lopota

«The ball has taken place. The tradition lives on» – these words, spoken at the end of the evening, became its leitmotif. The Rector’s Ball of ETU «LETI» demonstrated that in the digital age, there is still room for living grace and for a waltz that spins beneath the vaults of history, bridging the elegance of the past with the energy of the present.

The Rector’s Ball of ETU «LETI» is not only a celebration of dance but also an act of patronage. Every participant and guest was able to contribute to the university’s Endowment Fund, established on the initiative of alumni. The funds raised will be directed toward supporting promising educational, research, and practical projects of students and faculty.