Italian ballet dancer quits Bolshoi

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 7 - A 27-year-old Italian ballet dancer who was recently named primo ballerino at the Bolshoi has quit the famed Moscow troupe in protest at the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    Jacopo Tissi, from Landriano near Pavia, was named principal dancer at the Bolshoi Theatre in December.
    "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 Mosvcow," he wrote on Instagram after Monday's decision.
    "No war can be justified," he added.
    "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 former La Scala dancer.
    "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).