A leading Bolshoi prima ballerina who recently denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine is leaving the country to join the Dutch National Ballet.
Olga Smirnova, 30, said last week she was “against this war with every fiber of my soul” and had the support of other Russian ballerinas.
The Dutch National Ballet confirmed to BBC News on Wednesday that Smirnova will start with them immediately.
Her director Ted Brandsen described her as an “extraordinary dancer”.
Smirnova has a Ukrainian grandfather and has described herself as “one-quarter Ukrainian”.
Earlier this month, Smirnova wrote: “In a modern and enlightened world, I expect civilized societies to resolve political issues only through peaceful negotiations.
“I never thought that I would be ashamed of Russia, I was always proud of the talented Russians, of our cultural and sporting achievements.
“But now I feel like a line has been drawn separating the before and after. It hurts when people die, when people lose their roofs or are forced to leave their homes.
“And who would have thought a few weeks ago that all this would happen? We may not be at the epicenter of the military conflict, but we cannot remain indifferent to this global catastrophe.”
Brandsen welcomed their arrival in a statement. “It is a privilege to have her dance with our company in the Netherlands, even though the circumstances that led to this move are incredibly sad,” he said.
“Nevertheless, as a company, we are delighted to welcome such an inspiring dancer to the Dutch National Ballet.”
The company said Smirnova would be “received with open arms,” adding that her denunciation of Russia’s actions “made it untenable for her to work in her home country.”
Her first role with the company will be in the ballet classic Raymonda, which premieres in Amsterdam on April 3rd.
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