WITH the Bolshoi's blockbusting season at London’s Albert Hall a few days away, it seems right to remember ballet in Britain has never been better.

Two companies currently offer the capital seasonal treats and & feast of delicious dancing.

Cinderella, superbly performed by the Royal Ballet, is one of Frederick Ashton’s weakest full-length works. He seems overpowered by Prokofiev’s meaty score and unable to sink his teeth into the wispy plot. But even disadvantaged, Ashton’s genius spins glorious dancing, wit and spectacle.

Bolshoi ballerina Nina Ananiashvili was the eponymous waif last Monday, her long limbs and delicate features begging for sympathy.