Korea National Ballet’s top dancers, Kim Ji-young and Lee Dong-hoon, have been invited by the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia as guest principals, the troupe announced on Tuesday.

The two will play the lead roles in legendary choreographer Yury Grigorovich’s 1968 piece “Spartacus,” along with members of Bolshoi Ballet. The Russian troupe is one of the most renowned classical ballet companies in the world.

According to Korea National Ballet, it is the first time for two Korean dancers to perform the lead roles in a performance of Bolshoi Ballet.

A heroic tale of a Roman slave who sparked a rebellion during the Third Servile War (73-71 B.C.), “Spartacus” is a piece that requires a strictly synchronized corps de ballet as well as physically demanding technique.

Korean National Ballet in fact was the first Asian troupe to perform the piece in 2001, under the guidance of Grigorovich. Following the success of the first run, the troupe co-staged the piece with Russia’s Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre in Seoul in 2007.

In April, KNB showcased its third run, featuring Kim and Lee in the leading roles.

The duo’s upcoming show with Bolshoi Ballet is being held on Dec. 6 in Moscow, Russia.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)