The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino theatre has announced the “suspension of the ballet” Pas de deux for toes and fingers featuring Russian artists Svitlana Zakharova and Vadim Repin, which was scheduled to take place on 20–21 January 2026. In practical terms, this constitutes a cancellation of the performances, despite the cautious wording of a “temporary suspension”.
According to the official announcement published on the theatre’s website, the decision was taken “in connection with ongoing international tensions that create circumstances that could jeopardise the successful staging of the performance”. The statement makes no reference to the war or to the pro-Putin positions of the artists involved.
The organisers have stated that ticket holders will be refunded.
The decision to cancel the performances was reached following extensive media coverage initiated by LB.ua and taken up by numerous media outlets in Ukraine and abroad, as well as through the involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ukrainian Embassy in Italy, the Ministry of Culture, and members of the public.