The prestigious Bolshoi Ballet company was left stranded in London after missing a flight to Bermuda on Saturday.

But, slated to arrive later today from Canada after close to a full day of travelling, the company is still expected to perform tonight at the Bermuda Festival.

It is now anticipated that Bermuda Festival organisers will have to work flat out this afternoon to ensure that major adjustments at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium the company requires are carried out.

The dancers were originally expected in Bermuda on Saturday night but, according to Bermuda Festival director Geoffrey Moore, the 18 members ran into problems when their Aeroflot flight from Moscow to London was delayed.

"This made them late getting into Heathrow and then they had to go to Gatwick to get the British Airways flight to Bermuda,'' he said.

But British Airways stuck to its schedule and left promptly, leaving the delayed troupe stranded.

Mr. Moore said the re-routing plan will have the dancers in Bermuda by lunchtime and "in good time for their performance''. Last night the 18 were on their way to Toronto, Canada and were expected to fly to Bermuda this morning and arrive here at noon.

"There's no concern about the performance,'' Mr. Moore said. "They missed their connection but they are due at noon tomorrow.'' Confident that the arrival time still allowed the dancers sufficient time to rehearse and warm up for tonight's performance Mr. Moore said: "I understand they will be fine, they've just had a day's delay, they will be here in good time for their performance.'' The Bolshoi ballet will open at The Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at 8 p.m.

tonight. All their performances are sold out.

AIRLINES AIRPORT FLY