We agreed that it was a matter of principle for me that she was a Russian ballerina, said Vladimir Kekhman, artistic director of the Novosibirsk Theater, while talking about Nino Ananiashvili.

“I was introduced to Nino Ananiahvili a year ago by Makhar Vaziev. In February 2020, we flew to Tbilisi specifically to meet her. Considering all the risks, I asked Nino and we agreed that it was a matter of principle for me that she was a Russian ballerina. She thought for a long time. Finally we negotiated and she signed documents. Ananiashvili arrived in Novosibirsk at the end of December, visited the theater, which left a great impression on her. Then she arrived in St. Petersburg and we discussed every step. We have agreements with creative people that stipulate that any PR and activity must be agreed with the theater’s artistic director, or general manager”, - said Vladimir Kekhman.