Bolshoi Theatre to reopen after major refit

On a new rehearsal stage high up in the Bolshoi Theatre, sweat is pouring off some of the world's greatest dancers as they prepare for one of the ballet company's most important seasons.

For six years the main stage of the historic theatre has been dark, but now its glittering chandeliers are shining again.

The theatre closed in 2005 for restoration work, but the job proved much bigger than anyone expected.

Huge sums have been spent on structural work and intricate detailing.

The frescoes and vast quantities of gold leaf have all been replaced. The material was washed with vodka and polished with squirrel tails.

Symbolically, the curtain has lost its hammer and sickle from the Soviet era, while the old insignia on the building's facade has been replaced with the Russian eagle.

Other improvements include a bigger orchestra pit and improved dressing rooms. The rehearsal stage mirrors the main stage directly below, so the dancers know the exact size of the space.

Back in possession of the main stage at last, principal dancer Maria Aleksandrova is moved to tears.

"We all know that we have to keep the history and traditions of this place," she said. "So this is a very happy moment for us. I've even got tears in my eyes, I am so happy."

Critical audience

There has been a theatre on the site since the 1700s, while the current building dates back to the 1856.

"When the curtain opens you see all the magnificence of this hall," Ms Aleksandrova said.

"When we are doing classical performances they are about another time. The theatre helps us to imagine that era - the greatness, and the royalty - what Tsarinas and princesses were like; Kazinform cites BBC.

To learn more go to www.bbc.co.uk