Bolshoi Ballet
The Bolshoi Ballet is an internationally renowned classical ballet company based at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia. Founded in 1776, it is among the world's oldest and most prestigious ballet companies. The company gained international prominence in the early 20th century when Moscow became the capital of Soviet Russia.
History
The origins of the Bolshoi Ballet can be traced back to the creation of a dance school in 1773 for an orphanage in Moscow. In 1776, dancers from this school were employed by Prince Pyotr Vasilyevich Urusov and English theatrical entrepreneur Michael Maddox to form part of their new theatre company. Initially, the company performed in privately owned venues but later acquired the Petrovsky Theatre, which was eventually rebuilt as today's Bolshoi Theatre due to fires and redevelopment efforts.
Structure and Training
The Bolshoi Ballet operates on a hierarchical system, similar to those used by other leading European ballet companies. Senior dancers are ranked as principals, followed by lead soloists, first soloists, soloists, and finally, the corps de ballet. Owing to its size, the company operates two troupes of corps de ballet.
Most dancers are graduates of the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, commonly known as the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. In 2000, the Bolshoi Ballet extended its reach by opening its first Ballet Academy outside Russia, in Joinville, Brazil.
Notable Dancers
Over the years, the Bolshoi Ballet has been home to many notable dancers. Alexander Godunov, a Russian-American ballet dancer and film actor, was a member of the company and became its Premier danseur. Joy Womack is another distinguished name, recognized as the first American woman to graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy’s main training program.
Controversies
Despite its celebrated status, the Bolshoi Ballet has been embroiled in controversies. In 2013, ballerina Anastasia Volochkova alleged that female dancers were forced to engage in inappropriate relationships with wealthy patrons. American dancer Joy Womack echoed similar concerns when she departed from the company after being told that to secure solo roles, she must either pay a hefty fee or "start a relationship with a sponsor."
Additionally, in January 2013, the company was scandalized by a sulfuric acid attack on art director Sergei Filin. Pavel Dmitrichenko, a Bolshoi dancer, was convicted of orchestrating the attack and was sentenced to six years in prison.