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artistic director of Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre is in hospital because someone threw acid in his face. Sergei Filin, 42, was attacked outside his apartment building as he was going home from work. Moscow police say attacker was wearing mask and that there were no witnesses. Mr Filin has severe burns on his face and doctors are battling to save his eyesight. hospital spokesperson said Filin may have to go to hospital in Belgium for more treatment. The police believe attacker works for Bolshoi Ballet. Filin has to make many decisions about who dances and who doesn’t. Many performers and staff have criticized him for his tough management style.

Bolshoi is world-famous ballet company that was founded in 1776 by Moscow prosecutor Prince Pyotr Urusov. Russia’s Empress Catherine II gave Prince permission to organize theatre performances, masquerades, balls and other forms of entertainment for ten years. It rose to fame in early 20th century because of amazing technique and athleticism of its dancers. Today, it is largest company in world, with around 220 dancers. Mr Filin became Bolshoi’s principal dancer in 1990 and stayed in position for nearly two decades. He became company’s artistic director in 2008. He won many awards, including People’s Artist of Russian Federation award in 2001.