Although the Bolshoi Ballet was founded in 1776, it did not begin to attract the attention it now holds in the ballet world until Moscow became the capital of the Soviet Union in 1918. The company became the symbol of excellence in the classical tradition of Soviet-era in Russia, and the company gained a nearly mythical reputation in the West through a series of tours organized by the great 20th century impresario Sol Hurok. After a decade-long absence, the company made a triumphant return to prominence in the United States during its Kennedy Center produced tour in June 2000, and also performed at the Kennedy Center in June and December of 2002.