Overcoming Adversity

Sergei Filin is a Russian ballet dancer and the former artistic director of the Bolshoi Theatre from 2011 through 2016. He is currently the Director of the Young Artists Ballet Program at the Bolshoi Theatre. Sergei’s passion for dance, commitment to arts education and his determination and perseverance to overcome the tragedy of losing his eye sight in a devastating acid attack,  is an example of character strength that taught me many lessons. 

When something unfortunate happens in life, first question that comes to mind is: “Why, and why me?” For many tragedies there are no answers. Meeting Sergei didn’t give me answers to why, but it showed me how to find strength and courage to move forward, leave the past behind and find a bright light when one can’t see.

Picture: Sergei Filin & Larissa Saveliev at YAGP Gala in Lincoln Center, NYC. April 2014