Young Russians

Even without the Kirov and the Bolshoi , there's plenty for dance fans to enjoy in the UK this summer. Sarah Frater highlights some of the best

First the bad news. The magnificent Bolshoi and Kirov ballet companies (or the Mariinsky, as the Kirov is now known) won't be visiting London this summer. The Russia biggies have been regulars at the Opera House every August for as long as anyone can remember, and their absence leaves ballet fans rather twiddling their thumbs.

Well, almost. At the top of ballet's second division is the Mikhailowsky troupe. It's not as big, and not as grand, but it is Russian and its artistic director is the former Kirov star Farukh Ruzimatov. The St Petersburg-based Mikhailowsky makes its first UK visit this month, arriving at the London Coliseum on 22 July with two full-length ballets (Spartacus, 22-24 July, Giselle, 25-26 July), and a mixed bill including the new-to-the-UK Halte de Cavalerie (27 July).

Further consolation for grieving Kirov/Bolshoi fans is the Edinburgh visit of the State Ballet of Georgia. This is another top-of-the-second-division Russian troupe headed by a big-name retiree. The wonderful Nina Ananiashvili used to dance with the Bolshoi, and guest with American Ballet Theatre, and her turnaround of the Georgians has been much admired. The troupe brings Giselle and a mixed bill to the Edinburgh Playhouse (9-13 August).

Those interested in more modern fare should stay awhile in the Scottish capital. This year's Festival features a rare visit by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker (Edinburgh Playhouse, 15-17 August). The Belgium queen bee of contemporary dance brings a mixed bill of short works set to music by the American minimalist composer Steve Reich. It is played live by the excellent ensemble Ictus and will be stellar stuff.

Also in Edinburgh is the much anticipated Dorian Gray, the new work by Matthew Bourne (King's Theatre, 23-30 August). Bourne is known as a feel-good show-maker, but the renowned creator of the all-male Swan Lake also has darker tales to tell, and they don't come much darker than Wilde's portrait of depravity.

Back in London, the National Ballet of China makes its first visit to the Opera House. The Chinese are fine boned dancers, elegant and refined, and their Swan Lake (28-30 July) and Raise the Red Lantern (12 August) will be a showcase of grace and delicacy.

Over at Sadler's Wells, there are gutsier pleasures with the flamenco diva Sara Baras (1-12 July), and the 50th anniversary production of West Side Story (22 July-31 August). The New York take on Shakespeare's star crossed lovers is a genuine theatrical landmark, with great tunes and great moves. Can it really be half a century since Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins created the show?

Many leave London in August, but it may be worth sticking around for a visit by the French actress Juliette Binoche. The Oscar winning star of The English Patient is creating a new experimental duet at the National Theatre (from 18 August) with the Balhan-born Akram Khan. He's a charismatic Kathak soloist, and talented dance maker, widely admired for his ingenious collaborations (Antony Gormley, Sylvie Guillem, Nitin Sawhney). Together, Binoche and Khan could make theatrical, and choreographic gold.