Frenchman eager to lead esteemed Russian ballet

MOSCOW - French dance star Laurent Hilaire, the new artistic director of Moscow's renowned Stanislavsky Music Theater ballet troupe, has vowed to expand its repertoire while preserving its rich traditions.

"This is an opera and ballet house with a certain history, culture and tradition," says Hilaire, who took on the position in January.

"The goal is not to make revolution, to change everything. The goal is to open up the company's repertoire."