In Russia, the performances and celebrations that take place on a typical weekend are similar to those in American sports culture — but there, it’s all about ballet.

“From what I understand about the cultural difference in Russia, going to a ballet is the same as going to a football game in America,” says Emery Uyehara, a Des Moines dance instructor. “In Russia everybody goes — fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, everybody enjoys ballet.” A taste of Russian entertainment is coming to Stephens Auditorium on Thursday evening, when the St. Petersburg Ballet performs their rendition of “Romeo and Juliet.”

America’s interest in ballet in may change in the near future, partly because of the large number of dance schools already in place. “I believe that ballet is growing in America,” says Yuri Petukhov, the artistic director of the St. Petersburg ballet. “There were many dance schools established in the past several decades; however, it takes a lot of effort to ask people to come.”

Different cultures find different meaning in ballet performances, says Amy Martin, lecturer of health and human performance at Iowa State. Some people spend their lives on stage to share their love of dance.

“Many Americans are not exposed to ballet, especially not as a serious performing art, and, therefore, seem to have little understanding of it,” Martin says. “Many Americans have more understanding and appreciation for competitive sports than they do performing arts.”

Perhaps one reason that Americans haven’t fully accepted ballet into the mainstream is because they don’t understand the years of physical and mental pressure required to become a dancer, says Janice Baker, assistant professor of health and human performance. “Russian men are as powerful in dancing as men on the football field in America, but in their own style,” Baker says. “Men are neither fostered nor encouraged to dance in America.”

Sarah Cunniff, sophomore in performing arts, says Americans do not recognize the physical requirements of ballet and categorize it with art instead of sports.

“I know that in Russian ballet, their form is more open, with generally a lot of emphasis on high leaps and lots of turns,” says Cunniff. “Americans do not put ballet in the sports category, but still appreciate the way the dancers can move their bodies. It is considered a true art, not a sport.”

Even though ballet may not be as complicated as rocket science, Martin says, it still requires some intellect for audiences to understand, which she says is a contrast to most of the entertainment Americans enjoy.

“American audiences seem to have short attention spans and seem to gravitate towards pure entertainment where one does not have to engage their mind while viewing. In ballet, and dance in general, though it may be entertaining, it is also thought-provoking and does take some intellect to watch,” she says. Cunniff, who attended a performance of “Romeo and Juliet” in Chicago, says the ballet company keeps their show lively, which helps maintain an audience’s attention.

“The dancing is so good, and plus there is never a dull moment, just solid in your face action at all times,” she says.

Who: St. Petersburg Ballet, “Romeo and Juliet”

Where: Stephens Auditorium

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday

Cost: prices vary