Several Royal Ballet dancers refuse Russia trip
mainTwo members of the Royal Ballet – so far unnamed – have opted out of a six-night residency at the Bolshoi, over Russia’s anti-gay laws.
A defensive Covent Garden statement said: ‘Out of the 96-strong dancers in The Royal Ballet, just two dancers have chosen not to go on tour to Moscow for political reasons.’
It added: ‘A handful of others are not going for family or other reasons.’
So how many altogether have refused?
From what I’ve heard, only 2 as mentioned in your post have refused for political reasons (both senior in standing; one male, one female). Then there are 6 others who will not be going, owing to previous obligations or commitments of a personal or family nature.
I’ll hazard a guess that the two are Edward Watson and Lauren Cuthbertson.
I’ve noticed that their names haven’t been mentioned is press reports listing principals who are going, and they’re famous enough that one would expect to see their names included.