THE Bolshoi Ballet was founded in Moscow more than 200 years ago, and last night Southampton was blessed with its legendary presence at The Mayflower theatre, where the top-class dancers began their six-night run with Spartacus.

With rousing music by Aram Khachaturian and choreography from Yuri Grigorovich, the tale of gladiator hero Spartacus unfolds. Enslaved by the Roman Empire and separated from his sweetheart, he leads a rebellion against the leader, Crassus. In a moment of kindness Spartacus lets Crassus flee, only later to find that he, led on by his courtesan, returns to have his revenge.

Spartacus has everything a modern day drama needs - a love story, a hero, a villain and a twist in the plot.

From the moment the dancers burst on to the stage it was non-stop action, moving quickly from solo pieces and group dances to fight scenes and then love scenes.

The stunning performances by the Bolshoi principals were a sight to behold - all four lead dancers have been awarded the title of Merited Artist of Russia.

From the proud and brave Spartacus and his devoted Phrygia, to the power-crazed Crassus and his ambitious but manipulative Aegina, the character and emotion shone through the dance moves.

Feather-like female dancers appeared to float across the stage, while the Roman soldiers and slaves set a jazzy pace that exhausted you just by watching.

Often in ballet the quality of the music is overlooked, but the Bolshoi Orchestra is well-known in its own right.

Leaving the theatre last night, I realised that I had seen something rare and special.

Spartacus, tonight, 7.30pm; Swan Lake, tomorrow to Saturday, 7.30pm, Saturday 2pm. Box office: 023 8071 1811.

Spartacus, Bolshoi Ballet, Mayflower, Southampton