'Putin's ballerina' to perform in Rome despite Florence cancellation

Rome-- Russian ballet star Svetlana Zakharova, a former deputy in Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, is set to perform in Rome this March, despite recent protests that led to the cancellation of her Florence appearances.

 Zakharova, first soloist at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre, was scheduled to appear at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in January alongside her husband, violinist Vadim Repin. Both faced criticism due to their political affiliations: Zakharova signed a letter in 2014 supporting Russia’s annexation of Crimea, has served on cultural advisory bodies under Putin, and has received several Russian state honours.

 The Ukrainian Embassy in Italy condemned the engagement as “unacceptable,” while the Network of Associations for Ukraine described Zakharova as “a symbol of the Kremlin” and “a true heroine of Putin.” Under pressure from these groups, the theatre suspended the performances, citing “international tensions” that could compromise the success of the show. Ticket holders were offered refunds, either automatically for online purchases or through the box office.

 The decision sparked anger from the Russian Embassy, which accused Italian authorities of “Russophobia” and warned that restricting Russian artists could threaten cultural freedom and international funding arrangements. Social media posts claimed that the European Union might consider reducing funding to institutions that bar Russian performers, framing the controversy as part of broader geopolitical tensions.

 Despite the Florence cancellation, Zakharova will now perform in Rome at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone on 20 and 21 March, as part of the festival Les Étoiles. The auditorium is managed by a foundation jointly supported by the City of Rome and the Lazio Region, suggesting that public debate over the performance is unlikely to subside.

 Born in 1979 in what is now Ukraine, Zakharova has enjoyed a celebrated career in dance, while also participating in politics as a deputy in the Russian Duma from 2007 to 2015. Her programme, Pas de deux for Toes and Fingers, may now reach Italian audiences in the capital, amidst lingering controversy over her political affiliations.

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