The Bolshoi Ballet's first tours abroad in the mid-20th century revealed the classic Bolshoi style - a thrilling athleticism that never lost the essential beauty of the dance. This fascinating footage of many of the company's greatest dancers draws on five years' research in Russia's film archives.

In October 1993, the St. Petersburg documentary film company, MIRIS, sent out a fax to the West - almost like a message in a bottle. They needed a partner to complete a series of documentary films on Russian ballet. NVC ARTS, with a long tradition of working with the Bolshoi and the Kirov, responded to the call.

The two directors of MIRIS had spent five years researching state archives, museums and private collections, discovering many wonderful items that had never been shown anywhere. For the first time, thanks to the new political situation, it was possible to bring the material out of Russia. It was carefully treated by the most up-to-date methods to achieve the best technical quality of both picture and sound. The result is the two films The Glory of the Bolshoi and The Glory of the Kirov, both available now on DVD.