After some hiccups, his bid for reconciliation with Transdniestria and its veteran strongman, Igor Smirnov, seems to be making progress.

ECONOMIST: Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova

Six years later, Smirnov is a principal dancer with the company, doing classic Balanchine roles he'd dreamed of performing as a student.

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The Smirnov brothers, Nicolai and Vladimir, made vodka for czars.

FORBES: Smirnoff

School of American Ballet alum Nick Smirnov had just left his first job when he auditioned for a small dance company in Florida and was offered a job on the spot.

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