Svetlana Zakharova, the Ukrainian-born Russian principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, is seen in this photo provided by InArts Production. (Yonhap)
SEOUL – A Seoul ballet performance featuring Russia's star ballerina, Svetlana Zakharova, was canceled Friday due to public backlash over staging shows by individuals supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially amid the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv.
The Ukrainian-born Russian principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet was scheduled to perform in "Modanse" at the Seoul Arts Center on April 17, 19, and 21 with leading dancers from the same ballet troupe.
Despite her position as a world-class dancer, the news of her planned tour has drawn opposition from the Korean public due to her pro-Putin stance.
On Friday, InArts Production, which organized the show, announced its decision to cancel the controversial performance, citing concerns over the safety of the artist and audiences, and a request from the Seoul Arts Center.
"We sincerely apologize to the audience who had been looking forward to this show and ask for your deep understanding," the company said in a statement.
The Russian Embassy in Seoul expressed regret over the decision, saying "cooperation in the area of arts and performances should not be held hostage in the game of politics."
"We cannot help but pay attention to the unscrupulous campaigns launched by many diplomatic representatives in Korea from third countries to discredit upcoming shows of Russian ballet and inappropriate demands to stop cultural exchanges with Russia," the embassy said in a commentary.
Zakharova worked as a federal legislator as a member of the United Russia Party led by Putin and is now a member of the Russian National Arts Council. (Yonhap)
