Backstage at the Bolshoi ballet in London

A Bolshoi class under way at the Opera House, London, where the Russian company is rehearsing for its season. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Ivan Vasiliev, who plays Spartacus, is one of the young dancers who has been fast-tracked through the company. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Natalia Osipova, one of the lead dancers, who will appear in Coppelia, stretches during the class. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Vasiliev has his hair fixed by a Bolshoi tutor. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

A dancer shows off the grace and strength for which the Bolshoi is world-renowned. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Dancers and coaches watch as the class begins. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Studio practice shows off the dancers' agility and poise. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Classes are part of the daily routine and ritual for the young dancers. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

The Bolshoi men line up at the barre during studio practice the Royal Opera House. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

In the dressing room before the main rehearsal starts. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Ivan Vasiliev takes command of the Royal Opera House stage as Spartacus, during the Bolshoi's dress rehearsal. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Dancers watch from the side of the stage as the rehearsal of Spartacus gets underway. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

The Moscow-based Bolshoi has for decades competed with its Russian rival, the Mariinsky, for the accolade of the world's best ballet company. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Bolshoi dancers show off their gravity-defying action onstage at the Royal Opera House. Photograph: David Levene/Guardian

Back in the studio, the women show they are equally capable of scaling great heights. Photograph: David Levene

A Bolshoi dancer 'en pointe'.
David Levene

Backstage at the rehearsal, the dancers prepare to go on.
David Levene

The Bolshoi's summer season at the Royal Opera House includes performances of Don Quixote, Coppelia, Giselle and Petrushka.
David Levene

A dancer takes a rest during class.
David Levene