Olga Smirnova, a prominent former Bolshoi Ballet dancer, left Russia for the Dutch National Ballet following the Ukraine invasion, publicly denouncing the war. Her masterful performance as Lady Macbeth captivated choreographer Helen Pickett, who likened it to watching da Vinci create. Smirnova, who has Ukrainian heritage, faced significant personal challenges, including distance from her family and strained relationships with former colleagues, which she openly discussed. Despite the difficulties, she remains committed to her artistic journey and hopes to reconnect with her family amidst the ongoing conflict.
"It’s like watching da Vinci work," Pickett said with a contented sigh after the rehearsal, describing Olga Smirnova's performance capturing Lady Macbeth's emotions.
Smirnova remains the most high-profile Russian dancer to have publicly made the move, with significant personal costs, including strained family relations due to her decision.
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