Olga Smirnova (right, performing in 2019), said she was "against this war with every fibre of my soul" [Source: BBC]
A leading Bolshoi prima ballerina, who recently denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is leaving the country to join Dutch National Ballet.
Olga Smirnova, 30, said last week she was “against this war with every fibre of my soul” and was supported by other Russian ballerinas.
The Dutch National Ballet confirmed to BBC News on Wednesday that Smirnova will start with them immediately.
Its director Ted Brandsen described her as an “exceptional dancer”.
Smirnova has a Ukrainian grandfather and has described herself as “one-quarter Ukrainian”.
Writing earlier this month, Smirnova said: “In a modern and enlightened world, I expect civilized societies to resolve political matters only through peaceful negotiations.
“I never thought I would be ashamed of Russia, I have always been proud of talented Russian people, of our cultural and athletic achievements.
“But now I feel that a line has been drawn that separates the before and the after. It hurts that people are dying, that people are losing the roofs over their heads or are forced to abandon their homes.
