A Cultural Celebration of Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Story by Terry Check
For the first time in over 30 years, the National Ballet of Ukraine, one of the world’s top ballet companies, is embarking on a highly anticipated tour of the United States. Straight from the hallowed stage of the Taras Shevchenko National Opera House in Kyiv, this ensemble of world-class dancers is poised to mesmerize American audiences with a dazzling program of timeless classics, including “The Dying Swan,” “Don Quixote,” and “Giselle.” But this tour is more than just a display of technical prowess and artistic excellence—it’s a cultural celebration and a powerful statement of Ukrainian resilience in the face of adversity.
A Journey Through Time: The National Ballet of Ukraine
Founded in 1867, the National Ballet of Ukraine has long been a symbol of artistic heritage, not only in Ukraine but globally. Throughout its rich history, the company has weathered wars, political upheavals, and economic hardships, consistently emerging as a beacon of cultural strength. This historic U.S. tour, which marks their first appearance since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, is a momentous occasion. It offers American audiences a chance to experience the intricate beauty of classical ballet from a company whose roots run deep in Europe’s storied ballet tradition.
The Dying Swan will showcase the ethereal grace of a solo performance that has been a staple in the ballet world for over a century. Originally choreographed by Mikhail Fokine in 1905, this piece is an emotional portrayal of a swan’s final moments, set to the music of Camille Saint-Saëns. The performance, while brief, encapsulates the fragility and grace of life itself, demanding absolute precision and expressiveness from the dancer.
Don Quixote, on the other hand, is a lively and exhilarating production that blends humor with virtuosity. Based on the legendary Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes, this ballet is a joyous celebration of love and adventure. The vibrant choreography is filled with dramatic leaps and spins that showcase the athleticism and technical brilliance of the dancers, accompanied by spirited music and flamboyant costumes that evoke the excitement and romance of Spain.
And then there’s Giselle, a ballet that transports the audience to a world of love, betrayal, and redemption. A cornerstone of the classical ballet repertoire, “Giselle” tells the tragic story of a young peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman, only to die of heartbreak when she discovers his deception. The second act, often referred to as the “white act” because of the ghostly appearance of the dancers, is a hauntingly beautiful display of ballet’s poetic possibilities.
A Cultural Renaissance Amidst Adversity
The significance of this U.S. tour cannot be overstated. In the face of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the National Ballet’s presence on the global stage symbolizes more than just artistic excellence. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people, who continue to safeguard their cultural heritage amidst the chaos of war. Each performance is imbued with a sense of pride and perseverance, a reminder of Ukraine’s enduring legacy in the arts and its unyielding determination to thrive despite the odds.
The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Joining the National Ballet of Ukraine on this groundbreaking tour are the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, an internationally renowned Ukrainian folk dance ensemble. Established in 1959, Shumka has dazzled audiences for decades with its electrifying blend of traditional dance, music, and storytelling. The word “Shumka” means “whirlwind” in Ukrainian, a fitting description for the group’s high-energy performances that combine precise footwork, gravity-defying jumps, and an infectious vitality that pulses through every movement.
Shumka’s participation adds a vibrant layer to the tour, offering audiences a dynamic fusion of classical ballet and folk dance. While the National Ballet represents the height of classical European ballet tradition, Shumka brings the earthy rhythms and spirited movements of Ukrainian folk culture to life. With their traditional costumes—rich in color and steeped in history—and their powerful choreography, Shumka’s dancers evoke the spirit of Ukraine’s rural past, transporting audiences to a time when dance was not only an art form but also a means of community expression and storytelling.
A Technological Marvel: Dance Meets 3D Art
In an unprecedented and cutting-edge innovation, the tour incorporates a massive 3D LED screen that serves as a breathtaking backdrop to the performances. This fusion of dance and technology is designed to immerse the audience fully in the beauty of Ukraine’s landscapes, architecture, and spirit. The use of digital artistry allows viewers to feel as if they are not just spectators but participants in the story unfolding before them.
As the dancers leap and spin across the stage, the vibrant 3D scenery shifts and evolves, from lush Ukrainian fields to the grand streets of Kyiv, heightening the emotional impact of the performances. This synergy between art and technology offers a new and revolutionary way to experience dance, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. By integrating such groundbreaking visual effects, the National Ballet of Ukraine is pushing the boundaries of traditional ballet, inviting the audience to engage with the performance on a deeper and more personal level.
A Mission of Support: Art as a Force for Change
Beyond the artistic splendor, this tour serves a vital humanitarian purpose. Portions of the proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and individual donations will directly benefit organizations like HUMANITE and Ukraine House, which are dedicated to supporting Ukrainian families affected by the ongoing war. These funds will help provide essential resources such as medical supplies, food, shelter, and education for those displaced or otherwise impacted by the conflict.
By attending a performance, audience members not only have the chance to witness world-class dance but also to contribute to the ongoing efforts to restore and rebuild a war-torn nation. It’s a powerful reminder that art has the capacity to inspire, heal, and effect meaningful change in times of crisis.
A Celebration of Ukrainian Resilience and Spirit
As the dancers of the National Ballet of Ukraine and the Shumka Dancers take the stage, they carry with them the weight of their country’s history, struggle, and unshakable resolve. Each leap, each turn, each note of music tells a story of a people who, even in the face of destruction, continue to create beauty and hold onto their cultural identity.
This U.S. tour is not only a rare opportunity to witness two extraordinary dance companies but also a celebration of the Ukrainian spirit. It is a night of passion, hope, and resilience, where the power of art transcends borders and unites us all. As the curtain falls, audiences will leave not just having witnessed an exceptional performance but having felt the heartbeat of Ukraine itself—a nation that dances in defiance, with grace, strength, and unwavering resolve.
The tour schedule will take the dancers to the following cities:
| Washington DC | Oct. 8 | John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts |
| Philadelphia, PA | Oct. 9 | Miller Theater |
| Boston, MA | Oct. 10 | Shubert Theatre at the Boch Center |
| Bergen County, NJ | Oct. 12 | Bergen Performing Arts Center |
| New Brunswick, NJ | Oct. 13 | State Theatre New Jersey |
| Red Bank, NJ | Oct. 14 | Count Basie Center for the Arts |
Tickets for the National Ballet of Ukraine can be purchased at:
Masquerade Magazine wishes to thank the National Ballet of Ukraine, and
the dance company especially Natalia Matsak, the Principal – Prima Ballerina – People’s Artist of Ukraine for a magnificent performance.
