Italy dance gala bans Russian ballerina Zakharova over Putin support
Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova (photo: Getty Images)
Famous Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova has been removed from the lineup of the “Les Etoiles” gala, scheduled to take place in Rome on March 20–21, according to Reuters.
Organizers of the Rome dance gala explained that Russian ballerina Svetlana Zakharova was dropped due to the political context and the risk of the event being misinterpreted.
Zakharova, a Bolshoi Theatre principal, publicly supports Russian President Vladimir Putin. Her planned performance in Italy’s capital sparked debate. Organizers said they received official messages… highlighting the symbolic responsibility of cultural institutions in the current context and warned that the event could be “misunderstood or misused.”
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini criticized the decision, calling it “Russophobia.” We must make an effort to end this war. Excluding Russian dancers, painters, or athletes does not resolve the conflict; it only complicates it.”
Zakharova, of Ukrainian origin, was born in Lutsk but built her career in Russia, becoming one of the Bolshoi Theatre’s leading artists and a member of the United Russia party. She openly supported Russia’s 2014 aggression against Ukraine and, in 2024, became an official representative of Putin.
Italy has previously canceled performances of Russian artists due to public backlash. Last year, a concert involving conductor Valery Gergiev, known for his Kremlin ties, was canceled.
