BOLSHOI DANCER SPRAINS FOOT

A real-life melodrama entered the Thursday evening performance of “The Golden Age” by the Bolshoi Ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion when principal dancer Alla Mikhalchenko, in the role of Rita, sprained her right foot shortly before the end of Act I.

Though the accident was apparent to some in the audience, the performance continued without delay. Mikhalchenko made her exit, and was then quickly replaced--still during the first act--by Ludmila Semenyaka, who was standing by in case an accident should occur.

Mikhalchenko was taken to a doctor Wednesday morning. A company spokesman said the injury was not serious, although she was removed from the highlights mixed bills scheduled for Wednesday and tonight. Mikhalchenko is next scheduled to dance the title role in the evening performance of “Raymonda” on Saturday but a decision about that performance and subsequent appearances had not been made Wednesday.