Bolshoi ballet theatre appoints temporary director

Russia's Bolshoi Theatre has appointed a former prima ballerina as a temporary replacement for its artistic director who is recovering from an acid attack.

Galina Stepanenko joined the ballet company in 1990, retiring last year.

Award-winning ballet star, Sergei Filin was walking home in central Moscow when a masked man threw acid in his face.

Stepanenko said she would fulfil Filin's plans and stick to his chosen repertoire, beginning with the opening of La Bayadere on Thursday.

Stepanenko and Filin, who are both aged 42, danced together for many years.

She has been described as "a virtuoso of classical dance."

Announcing his temporary replacement, the Bolshoi's executive director, Anatoly Iksanov said Stepanenko was Filin's choice to serve as acting artistic director and he supported the decision.

Following the attack, Iksanov told Russian television that Mr Filin was "uncompromising" in his management style.

"If he thought a performer was unready to play a certain role, or incapable of it, he would not let the performer do it," he said.