Ex Bolshoi dancer Tissi to dance at Ukraine peace gala

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 22 - Former Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Jacopo Tissi,, who quit the Russian theatre on March 7 due to the Ukraine invasion, will be among those performing at a Ukraine peace gala at Milan's Arcimboldi Theatre on April 7, organizers said Tuesday.
    The event "Pace for Peace - a ritmo di Danza' is a benefit for Ukrainian artists and refugees, with takings devolved to the International Red Cross and the MilanHelpsUkraine Fund, created by the Fondazione Comunità Milano at the behest of Milan city council.
    As well as Tissi, other performers will include the principal dancer of the Wiener Staatsoper, Alexey Popov, and the principal dancers of the Kiev Opera, Anastasia Gurskaj and Stanislav Olshansky.
    Tssi, 27, from Landriano near Pavia, was named principal dancer at the Bolshoi Theatre in December.
    Announcing his resignation from the famed Moscow-based troupe, he said "I am shocked by this situation which hit us from one day to the next and, honestly, for the time being I find it impossible for me to continue my career in Moscow," "No war can be justified," he added on Instagram.
    "I can't describe how sad it was for me to leave my teachers, colleagues and friends; special people who helped me grow as an artist and a person, to whom I am and will be forever grateful," said the La Scala product.
    "As a human being I feel empathy with all the people and families who are suffering. No war can be justified. Ever.
    "And I will always be against all kinds of violence...we cannot let hate spread, on the contrary, our world must be full of harmony, peace, understanding and respect. I really hope and pray that all wars and suffering end as quickly as possible".
    (ANSA).