Russia's world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet performs a series of classic ballet performances. From Swan Lake starring the iconic Maya Plisetskaya to Giselle starring Nina Ananiashvili, these are a must-see for ballet fans.
Although these films have been remastered in HD, since they were originally shot for Russian television over 40 years ago, the quality is lower than one might expect in today's age. But we hope that you will agree with us that there is still much to be appreciated in the performances.
Documentary • With Vyacheslav Gordeyv, Nadezhda Pavlova, Vasiliy Vorokhobko, Cherkasskaya Vozianova • 1978 • 112 minutes
With its sunny effervescence and dazzling leading roles, Don Quixote has come to exemplify Bolshoi Ballet virtuosity. Premiered in 1896, Marius Petipa's choreography reflected...
Documentary • With Nina Ananiashvili, Victor Barykin, Ruslan Pronin
• 1991 • 113 minutes
This moving and picturesque work of French romantic ballet caused a sensation in 1841. With music by Adolphe Adam and choreography by Jules Perrot (the solos) and Jean Coralli (the ensemble), Giselle featu...
Directed by Yuri Grigorovich • Documentary • With Ekaterina Maximova, Vladimir Vasiliev
• 1978 • 102 minutes
The Nutcracker speaks to the child in everyone, with its happy dreams of snow, presents, adventures, toys and wishes fulfilled. Despite Tchaikovsky’s most addictive score, the original ...
Documentary • With Tatiana Golikova, Vladimir Vasiliev, Mikhail Gabovich, Ekaterina Maximova, Valery Antonov
• 1979 • 133 minutes
Please note that due to the age of the recording, some of the sections of this video are quite dark.
Spartacus, with its storming athleticism, bold story and passi...
Documentary • With Maya Plisetskaya, Alexander Bogatyrev
• 1976 • 130 minutes
Please note that this film starts with 3 minutes of black while the overture plays. Also, since this was recorded for television in the late 70s, some sections are quite dark.
No ballet has such deathless appeal as...