Nikolai Tsiskaridze, the ballet dancer dismissed by Bolshoi Theatre bosses after he was questioned over a vicious acid attack on the company’s artistic director, has landed a prestigious new role. Sergei Filin suffered third degree burns when a corrosive substance was thrown in his face in Moscow, Russia in January (13).
Tsiskaridze was questioned by police after the incident, which left Filin partially blind, but claimed he was the victim of a “witch hunt” at the ballet company. The drama led him to being dropped after 21 years at the Bolshoi.
He has remained unemployed since the scandal, but has now been appointed acting director of Russia’s renowned Vaganova Ballet Academy.
The country’s Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky says, “Tsiskaridze is preparing thoroughly to take up this post, bringing with him a wealth of teaching experience, and his training in the legal profession.”
Dancer Pavel Dmitrichenko, 29, is facing charges of masterminding the assault on Filin along with accomplices Yuri Zarutsky and Andrei Lipatov. Their trial is slated to begin in Moscow on Tuesday (29Oct13).
Dismissed Bolshoi dancer makes comeback with top role
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