The Bolshoi Ballet has been a symbol of culture for more than 200 years. In its early years, the company competed with the Kirov Ballet for prominence in Russian ballet.
Beginnings
The Bolshoi Ballet was formed in the Moscow Orphanage as a dancing school. The company was officially founded in 1776, with the Bolshoi Theater as its main venue.
Bolshoi Theater
The Bolshoi Theater is the parent company of the Bolshoi Ballet (as well as the Bolshoi Opera). After a fire destroyed the Bolshoi Theater in 1853, the current theater was constructed and opened in 1856.
Prominance
The Bolshoi Ballet didn't reach world prominence until the capital of the Soviet Union was moved to Moscow in 1918, and the company went on tour with performances across the Western world.
Repertoire
The Bolshoi Ballet premiered many classic ballets, including "Swan Lake." The company has also regularly performed "The Sleeping Beauty," "The Nutcracker" and "Spartacus."
Present Status
Though the Bolshoi Theater was closed in 2005 for renovation that were still ongoing in 2009, the Bolshoi Ballet company continued performing around the globe.
