In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many cultural institutions and festivals took a stand against Russian artists, including dancers, as part of the broader cultural boycott aimed at isolating Russia in the international arts scene. This was particularly noticeable in the world of ballet, where Russian dancers, once celebrated globally, found themselves facing protests and cancellations due to their associations with the Russian state or perceived support for the regime.
1. Royal Opera House and Mariinsky Ballet
One of the earliest and most high-profile rejections occurred at London’s Royal Opera House, where Russian artists, including those from the Mariinsky Ballet (a company closely linked to the Russian state and President Vladimir Putin), were scrutinized. In the wake of the invasion, the Royal Opera House faced calls for the cancellation of performances by Russian dancers, especially those who were seen as close to the Kremlin. While some individual dancers distanced themselves from the political situation, the association of Russian state-run ballet companies with Putin’s government made it difficult for institutions to continue working with them without facing backlash. In response to growing pressure, the Royal Opera House did cancel performances by Russian dancers and companies.
2. The Bolshoi Ballet and International Protests
The Bolshoi Ballet, one of the most famous cultural institutions in Russia, also faced significant resistance. International protests against Russian cultural figures, including dancers, were organized at venues like the Metropolitan Opera in New York, which hosts the Bolshoi’s performances. These protests were fueled by the belief that Russia’s cultural institutions, particularly the Bolshoi, were instruments of state propaganda, promoting the Kremlin’s narratives both at home and abroad. Some dancers from the Bolshoi, who had supported the Russian government or remained silent about the invasion, faced public condemnation and were met with calls to boycott their performances.
3. European Ballet Companies and Boycotts
Several ballet companies across Europe, including in France, Germany, and the UK, canceled scheduled performances by Russian dancers or companies. Some dancers who were deemed to have vocalized support for the Russian government, or who had publicly failed to condemn the invasion of Ukraine, were barred from performing. For instance, some Russian dancers were forced to pull out of prominent performances, like the ballet season at the Paris Opera, where protests over the association with Russia led to cancellations. Ballet stars who had worked in Russian ballet companies were also met with backlash, not only for their professional affiliations but also for their perceived silence or refusal to take a stance against the war.
4. Protests Against Individual Russian Dancers
Beyond institutional boycotts, individual Russian dancers also faced personal protests from audiences, especially in the West. In 2022, protests erupted at performances where Russian dancers were involved. For example, during performances by the Russian National Ballet, protesters would often show up holding signs or chanting messages of solidarity with Ukraine, demanding the artists speak out against the war or face consequences for their association with the Russian state. In some cases, dancers were publicly accused of being complicit in Putin’s agenda, even if they did not support the invasion, due to their affiliations with state-funded institutions.
5. The Response of Russian Dancers
Some Russian dancers, however, tried to distance themselves from the politics of the invasion. A few ballet stars spoke out publicly, condemning the war and expressing solidarity with Ukraine. But for many, the situation was complicated. Many dancers felt trapped, as expressing dissent could risk their careers or even their safety in Russia. This led to a polarized situation where some dancers chose to stay silent, while others left Russia or sought refuge in other countries to avoid being used as tools of propaganda by the Russian government.
For example, renowned Russian dancer and choreographer, Sergei Polunin, who has a controversial past and often made headlines for his political statements, faced a backlash for his failure to comment on the war for some time. When he eventually made a statement, the reaction was mixed, with some applauding his move, while others felt it was too little, too late.
6. Cultural Diplomacy in Crisis
The situation around Russian dancers became emblematic of the broader struggle between culture and politics. The arts, once seen as a space for diplomacy and cultural exchange, were increasingly becoming a battleground for the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. While some in the dance community saw the protests and boycotts as necessary to take a stand against Russia’s aggression, others saw it as unfairly punishing artists who had no control over the actions of their government.
Conclusion
The rejection of Russian dancers in response to the invasion of Ukraine reflects the broader cultural pushback against Russia’s use of art and culture as a tool of state propaganda. As the war in Ukraine continues, it remains clear that the international arts community is grappling with how to handle Russian artists—especially those whose careers are intertwined with the Russian state. For many, this is not just about political affiliations but about standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and using the arts as a platform for resistance against authoritarianism.