The Government report on the mistreatment of child dancers has cost Simona Noja-Nebyla her job as head of the State Opera’s ballet academy.

The dismissal notice does not even mention her by name.

Among other findings, the academy was accused of encouraging children to smoke cigarettes in order to keep their weight down.

UPDATE: The Staatsoper have sent a clarification: ‘Simona Noja has not been fired – Simone Wohinz takes over her role as Director of the Ballet Academy.’ Go figure. See press release below.

Vienna (OTS) – Federal Minister Alexander Schallenberg held talks today with Bundestheater-Holding Managing Director Mag.Christian Kircher, State Opera Director Dominique Meyer and designated State Opera Director Bogdan Roščić about the current and future situation of the Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera.

The following course arrangements have been agreed: From now on, the artistic direction of the Ballet Academy will be the sole responsibility of the direction of the Vienna State Opera until the realignment – the previous artistic director Manuel Legris remains the director of the Vienna State Ballet. Until a new head of the ballet academy is appointed by the designated state opera management in September 2020, Ms. Simone Wohinz, Commercial Director of the Vienna State Ballet, will take over the executive management on an interim basis.