Bolshoi Theatre buildings are closed and not available for any visit during the month in July-September 2026 (exact dates will be announced later). This summer, while the historic Bolshoi Theatre building is closed for its annual break, a special ballet festival takes place just next door — a celebration of classical dance featuring outstanding performers trained at Russia’s finest ballet academies. Among the cast are dancers from the Bolshoi Theatre itself, bringing with them the same world-class technique, artistry, and emotional depth that have made the Bolshoi a symbol of ballet excellence around the globe.
“Spartacus” by Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasiliev: Rare Music, Eroticism, and True Roman Combat
The Theater of Classical Ballet of Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasiliev presents their version of Aram Khachaturian’s ballet Spartacus on the Ramt stage. This is a production that every true ballet lover must see. Here’s why.
Music
Kasatkina and Vasiliev knew Aram Khachaturian personally and understood better than anyone his frustration over the fact that the original score of Spartacus had been cut in half in the most famous productions. To properly honor their friend’s memory, in 2003—on the composer’s 100th birthday—they presented their own version of Khachaturian’s masterpiece, nearly half of which consisted of previously unused music.
Plot (spoiler alert!)
The choreographers completely reinterpreted the concept of the ballet. Their Spartacus is not merely a gladiator who leads a slave revolt. Above all, he is an idealist, dreaming that everyone could emerge victorious in the battle with the slave within themselves. Such heroes have no place in real life: all his companions, in reality, prove to be no better than their oppressors. The tragic ending is, therefore, inevitable. The death of the noble romantic Spartacus becomes symbolic: he can only be defeated by Crassus with a sword already stained by the blood of an innocent girl sacrificed earlier.
Choreography
The original choreography by Kasatkina and Vasiliev fully conveys the morals of the Roman Empire, steeped in greed, gluttony, and vice. Some critics have noted that the sensuality sometimes borders on excess: one journalist famously titled his review, “Only the little dog remained innocent in this performance”. Others emphasized that every movement serves the overall idea. Everything in this production is subordinated to passion—including the passion for freedom. The sensual scenes are deliberately “rhymed” with gladiatorial combat.
A delight for historians and lovers of historical reconstructions: Kasatkina and Vasiliev integrated real Roman combat techniques into the choreography, taught to the dancers by the renowned film stunt coordinator Alexander Malyshev.
Finally, Spartacus delights ballet enthusiasts with the largest number of soloists in a production. There are six in total, each with their own character, complex steps, and unique colors, making the ballet a spectacular visual and emotional experience.