Concerns Over Performer and Audience Safety... 'Pro-Putin' Russian Ballerina's Korea Tour Cancelled

Cancellation Decided Considering Audience and Artist Safety
Seoul Arts Center to Fully Refund Tickets

The Russian star ballerina Svetlana Zakharova (45), classified as a 'pro-Putin artist,' has ultimately canceled her visit to Korea for the performance 'MoDance.' This decision was made amid some criticisms stating that "Zakharova's performance justifies Russia's unjust invasion and belittles the suffering of the Ukrainian people."

On the 15th, the Seoul Arts Center website, where the MoDance performance was scheduled to be held, posted a notice titled 'Notice of Cancellation of MoDance Korea Tour.' The Arts Center stated, "We inform you that the MoDance Korea tour has been canceled considering the safety of the audience and artists," adding, "We sincerely apologize to the audience who were looking forward to the Korea tour and ask for your deep understanding." They further added, "Tickets purchased will be fully refunded without any fees, and detailed instructions for the refund process will be shared, so please refer to them."

Ballerina Svetlana Zakharova. [Photo source = Svetlana Zakharova's personal homepage]

MoDance is a performance featuring Zakharova and dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet, presented in a double bill format showcasing two one-act ballets. Zakharova, the principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, was scheduled to perform in 'Gabrielle Chanel,' a stage production depicting the life of fashion designer and entrepreneur Gabrielle Coco Chanel.

Although Zakharova was born in Ukraine, she is recognized as a symbol of Russian ballet and is classified as a close cultural associate of President Putin. She served as a federal deputy as a member of United Russia, the party led by President Putin, and is active as a member of the Russian State Arts Council. Alongside Valery Gergiev, the Bolshoi Theatre's general director who is also close to President Putin, she participated in signing a statement supporting Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

Modance is a performance featuring Zakharova and dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet, presented in a double bill format showcasing two one-act ballets. Zakharova, the principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet, was scheduled to appear in "Gabrielle Chanel," a stage production depicting the life of fashion designer and entrepreneur Gabrielle Coco Chanel.
[Photo by InArts Production Instagram]

Because of this, critical voices arose from Ukraine, which has been at war for over two years due to Russia's invasion. The Embassy of Ukraine in Korea issued an official statement after news of Zakharova's Korea tour was announced, saying, "Showing performers from the aggressor country justifies Russia's unjust invasion and belittles the suffering of the Ukrainian people," adding, "This is absolutely unacceptable." They further urged, "While respecting diverse opinions and the inclusiveness of cultural exchanges, we call for the suspension of cultural cooperation with the Russian regime and its cultural figures who have committed crimes."

The performance planning company stated, "The performance was planned 4 to 5 years ago and was postponed due to COVID-19, and it was scheduled for this year," expressing their intention to proceed with the performance. However, as the controversy grew, they ultimately decided to cancel the show. With Zakharova's performance canceled, attention is turning to whether this will affect performances by Russian ballet dancers. From May 16 to 18, the Sejong Center Grand Theater will host the 'Bolshoi Ballet Gala Concert 2024 in Seoul' featuring principal dancers of the Bolshoi Ballet, and from May 16 to 19, a Korea tour will feature Kim Ki-min, principal dancer of the Russian Mariinsky Ballet, along with dancers from six ballet companies including the Mariinsky Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.