In a soap opera-worthy story of jealousy, acid, and ballet, the trial against a man accused of nearly blinding Bolshoi Ballet artistic director Sergei Filin began on Wednesday in Moscow. Pavel Dmitrichenko, who was once a star company dancer, allegedly paid two men to throw acid at Filin in a January attack. Filin testified that he has now undergone 23 surgeries, and believes the dancer was motivated by professional jealousy, casting disputes, and rumors of extramarital affairs. He is seeking $110,000 in damages and 12 years in prison for Dmitrichenko.
