The Bolshoi's Final Curtain
The ballerina fighting the Russian mafia
On the steps of the Bolshoi's grand theatre stand Russia's ubiquitous Mafia men. A ticket to the ballet should cost five dollars but they're touting them here for $250. The Mafia's activities added to declining state subsidies, is sinking the ballet into a financial mess. They're unable even to carry out vital repairs to the theatre.
So can the Bolshoi find its feet again? Rising star Svetlana Lunkina may be their secret weapon. She at least is not thinking of selling out to the West. After all the Bolshoi has it's tradition to draw on, and happily that means performing here is still the pinnacle of most young dancers dreams. In the face of adversity, the Bolshoi's grand tradition and persistent popularity looks like it will win the day.
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