A Woman Takes Over The Bolshoi

An interesting twist has come out of the horrific attack on Bolshoi Ballet artistic director Sergei Filin—for the first time in history, a woman is in charge of the iconic Russian ballet company. Former principal Galina Stepanenko will serve as acting director while Filin recovers. How long that recovery will take is unclear right now as Filin continues to undergo surgery on his eyes and face. Stepanenko, who just retired from the stage last year, danced with FIlin for many years, and promises to fulfill Filin’s plans, sticking to his chosen repertoire.

This is a most unfortunate circumstance under which Stepanenko is stepping into the director’s shoes. Nonetheless, the fact that this opportunity was offered to a woman just goes to show why so many see Filin as a beacon of the future.