It opened a window into bitter infighting and rivalries inside the Bolshoi theatre, shocking Russians, correspondents say.

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"Threats against people who worked and still work at the Bolshoi Theatre began long ago, two years ago, " she said on state TV.

BBC: Profile: Pavel Dmitrichenko

The manager of the Bolshoi Theatre has sparred in a Russian magazine with a star dancer following the acid attack on artistic director Sergei Filin.

BBC: Nikolai Tsiskaridze in a file image from March 2001

The incident is widely assumed to have taken to a new level the infighting and rivalries that the Bolshoi theatre has become notorious for - and has shocked people in Russia.

BBC: Bolshoi boss Sergei Filin leaves hospital for Germany

On Friday, after visiting Moscow's famed Bolshoi Theatre and the Illuzion cinema, Mr Depardieu said he was very familiar with Russian culture.

BBC: Gerard Depardieu registered as Russian resident

Ms Volochkova, who used to enjoy the spotlight as a former Bolshoi Theatre prima ballerina, joined Russia's ruling party in 2003 along with a host of cinema, sports and showbusiness celebrities.

BBC: Russian ballerina says Kremlin banned her TV shows

While the final act must still play out in a Russian courtroom, the story opens in the nearly two-century-old Bolshoi Theatre.

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The Bolshoi ballet confirmed the staffing changes, saying "The theatre's general director Anatoly Iksanov appointed Yan Godovsky to the position of the ballet troupe director yesterday, after Yanin filed for voluntary leave".

BBC: Bolshoi director resigns after erotic photos published