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Bolshoi appoints Acting Chief ballet choreographer while Sergei Filin is convalescing after the assault

The candidature of Galina Stepanenko was discussed with Sergei Filin himself

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, January 22 (Itar-Tass) — Galina Stepanenko-People's Artist of Russia, will perform the duties of Chief ballet choreographer of Bolshoi Theater while its official Chief ballet choreographer, Sergei Filin, is recovering after a barbarous attack on him made near his house in Troitskaya street in Moscow late on January 17.

Director General of the Bolshoi Theater Anatoly Iksanov has notified about Galina Stepanenko's appointment at a meeting of the Bolshoi ballet company on Tuesday. The candidature of Galina Stepanenko was discussed with Sergei Filin himself, Iksanov said.

Tuesday's rehearsal of the Bolshoi ballet was interrupted precisely to inform the dancers from first hand who would head the ballet company while Sergei Filin is convalescing after the assault.

The 46-year old Galina Stepanenko is the prima of the Bolshoi ballet, a teacher and choreographer. In 1984-1988 she was a soloist of Moscow Classic Ballet company; In 1988-1990 she danced at Stanislavsky and Nemirovich Danchenko opera and ballet theater. In 1990 she joined the Bolshoi ballet company.

It was Sergei Filin's choice, Anatoly Iksanov told Itar-Tass, commenting on the appointment. All the plans of the ballet company made jointly with its Chief Choreographer Sergei Filin will be fulfilled, Iksanov assured.

An unknown criminal splashed the chief ballet choreographer with a hazardous acid late on January 17. Sergei Filin was hospitalized with severe burns of his head, face and eyes. At present, he is in stable condition which does not deteriorate and conforms to an extent of the injuries inflicted, the hospital personnel said.

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