Russian ballerina seeks refuge in the Netherlands: ‘I am ashamed of my country’ | Inland

According to the spokesperson, Smirnova chooses the Netherlands because a collaboration with Dutch National Ballet “has been on her wish list for a long time.”

The dancer, who has a Ukrainian grandfather, said earlier on the Telegram platform that she is “with all her heart against this war”. She had expected that “developed societies can solve their political problems through peaceful negotiations” and never thought she would be ashamed of Russia. She made those statements when she was still in Russia, the spokesperson said.

Exceptional dancer

Dutch National Ballet director Ted Brandsen calls Smirnova “an exceptional dancer.” “The background of the arrival of Olga Smirnova is, of course, sad. As a company, on the other hand, we are very pleased that such an inspiring dancer is joining us.”

Olga Smirnova dances her first role in Raymonda, which will premiere on 3 April in the Dutch National Opera & Ballet building in Amsterdam.

A second soloist of the Mariinksy Ballet in Saint Petersburg, the Brazilian dancer Victor Caixeta, is also joining Dutch National Ballet. “Due to circumstances, I made the difficult decision to leave Russia, the place I have called home for almost five years, and the theater that gave me a great start in my professional career,” he says.

—