MOSCOW -- The Bolshoi Theatre won't renew the contract of Nikolai Tsiskaridze, a veteran principal dancer and teacher who for years has been in open conflict with managers at the celebrated Russian theatre.
The dispute intensified after the Bolshoi ballet's artistic director was attacked in January by a man who threw acid in his face.
Bolshoi managers accused Tsiskaridze of inciting tensions within the theatre that led to the attack, while Tsiskaridze portrayed the attack as the result of corruption and unfair treatment of dancers.
Bolshoi spokeswoman Katerina Novikova said Sunday that Tsiskaridze was told his contract won't be renewed when it expires at the end of June.
Tsiskaridze, who joined the Bolshoi in 1992, said in an NTV television interview that he questioned the theatre's right to let him go.
