Russian Ballerinas Denied Visas to Enter the US

As reported by Page Six, two members of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet have been refused visas to enter the US and perform in New York City.

The two dancers, Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi, were due to dance on Monday at Lincoln Center. The organizers of the event believe that the decision may be related to the current tension between Russia and the US.

On Wednesday the department's site read, "On April 10, 2018, we denied your... petition for a nonimmigrant worker."

The immigration service claims that the rejection is because the stars applied for a visa given to groups, and they were planning to perform as individuals. However, the group has gotten the same visa for performers in the past, including Smirnova.

"Olga is considered the number one ballerina in the world right now," said Linda K. Morse, chair of Youth America Grand Prix, which is hosting the gala. "And to refuse her visa is striking. It's alarming."

Read more on Page Six.