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It’s one of the most famous theatres in the world and one of the most beautiful.
Spotlight on Russia asks, is there anything more delightful than …
Ballet at the Bolshoi?
A trip to the Bolshoi Theatre is an incredible experience, even before the performance begins. The theatre is a masterpiece of Russian neoclassical design. It seats over two thousand people in a wonderland of hanging chandeliers, gold decoration and red velvet furnishings.
The Bolshoi has a history that’s almost as dramatic as one of its performances. The original theatre was Prince Urussov’s Public Opera and Ballet Theatre, commissioned by Catherine the Great in 1776 and backed by the Englishman Michael Maddox.
The first disaster struck in 1805 when fire damaged it beyond repair. The architect, Osip Bove, designed a new building which opened in 1825. However, disaster struck again in 1853 when the theatre caught fire and the blaze raged for days. Almost all the interior was destroyed, but the outer walls remained more or less intact. The interior of the building was rebuilt in 1856 by the architect Albert Kavos.
The Bolshoi has always been associated with ballet, and it’s the home of the Bolshoi Ballet troupe. It has hosted some of Russia’s most famous performances and celebrated premieres by some of the best composers. Glinka’s opera, A Life for the Tsar, premiered here on 7th September, 1842, and Richard Wagner conducted a series of concerts here in 1863. In 1877, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake was first performed here, and it remains a popular favourite. This century, works by the composers Prokofiev and Shostakovich, as well as the 1960s hit Spartacus by Aram Khachaturyan,were also performed at the Bolshoi Theatre.
The Bolshoi ballerinas, actors and opera singers may tour the world, but there’s no better place to see the Bolshoi Theatre Company other than right here in Moscow.
What is your favourite ballet? Why not send Spotlight on Russia some pictures of a ballet you would like to see?
- In pairs, discuss why you would like to visit the Bolshoi.
- Discuss any ballets you have seen.
- Would you like to be a ballet dancer?
What is your favourite ballet?
My favourite ballet is Swan Lake because of its beautiful music, graceful choreography, and the dramatic story of love and transformation. The dancers’ movements are so elegant and expressive, telling a story without words, which I find very moving.
In pairs, discuss why you would like to visit the Bolshoi.
For me, it’s to experience the grandeur of one of the world’s most famous theatres and see top ballet dancers perform live.
Discuss any ballets you have seen.
I have seen a few ballets, mostly recorded performances like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. I really enjoyed the beautiful dancing and the way the story is told through movement and music. The dancers’ skill and grace are impressive, and the costumes and sets make the experience magical.
Would you like to be a ballet dancer?
I don’t think I would like to be a ballet dancer myself. Ballet requires a lot of physical strength, discipline, and years of training. While I admire the art form greatly, I’m more interested in pursuing a career where I can help people. Ballet is inspiring to watch, but my passion lies in medicine.