The Bolshoi Theatre's officials have suspended famous ballet dancer Nikolay Tsiskaridze from his position of a dancing master. Tsiskaridze, who is one of Russia's most celebrated artists, has received official notice that his contract as a ballet teacher at the Bolshoi will be cut short.

      The theatre's managers explained their decision by need for full-time ballet teacher, unlike the eminent soloist who could work only part-time. The notice reportedly came direct from the Bolshoi's legendary choreographer Yury Grigorovich.

      According to the Bolshoi Theatre's press service, a female choreographer, Regina Nikiforova, will replace Nikolay Tsiskaridze and his colleague Yan Godovsky. She will be engaged with the theater full-time.

      However, there is an opinion that Tsiskaridze was "punished" for his critical remarks about the theatre's reopening. In particular, the ballet dancer said he had not expected such poor results after six years of repair works worth over $700 million and supervised by the Kremlin.

      “I'm absolutely sure that this step by the Bolshoi Theater proceeds exclusively from the desire to take revenge and teach a lesson to others, who might feel a desire to criticize the Bolshoi in the future,” Tsiskaridze was quoted as saying.

      In spite of losing his teacher job, Tsiskaridze still works in the Bolshoi Theatre as a dancer and doesn't plan to leave voluntary. The Bolshoi is my life,” he summed up. 

Sources: Lenta.ru Image: tsiskaridze.com