“They can’t destroy our culture”: Ballet troupe dances for freedom

This ballet troupe has not been able to go home since the start of a brutal war. Now they are returning to Australia with two special performances coming to Tasmania.

Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine is coming to Australia in May.

This Ukrainian ballet troupe has not been able to return to their home country since the war began and the mental turmoil caused by the war has elevated the passions of the performers who are now dancing for their country.

“For Ukraine it is really important now,” Artistic director and principal of the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine Oleksandr Stoianov said.

“[Even though] Russia destroyed our cities and killed our people- they can’t destroy our culture.

“Our dancers now dance with some idea, they are not just dancing to dance.

“They dance for our country and for our freedom.”

The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine will return to Tasmania for two performances in May. Picture: Supplied

“It’s really our mission. This charges our dancers and they can dance with more power everyday,”

The ballet will perform a double bill of a dance based on the Ukrainian folk story Forest Song and then Spanish ballet Don Quixote.

Forest Song is the pride of Ukraine- a “fairytale” ballet about love, death, betrayal and the conflict between humankind and nature according to Mr Stoianov.

The music, dancing, props and costumes are all traditional Ukrainian elements created by Ukrainian nationals.

Mr Stoianov said the “lighter” and more festive Don Quixote was chosen in order to show that Ukraine is more than a “strong” nation.

Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine is coming to Australia in May.

“Now a lot of people know about Ukraine as a country who can ‘war’,” he said.

“But we also have very funny and positive people. We also can smile and joke.

“We would like to bring for the people more positive [news]- not news just about the war.

“Some hope for a positive future.”

The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine will return to Australia this month with performances at Wrest Point Casino showroom Hobart on May 11 and Theatre North Princess Theatre Launceston on May 12.