When Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February this year, many of the country’s leading dancers left the country, fleeing their homeland to reach safety in other parts of Europe and beyond.
Remarkably, since that time, the United Ukrainian Ballet has been established, based in The Hague, Netherlands, at the city’s former Royal Conservatoire building. The Ballet comprises award-winning dancers from Ukraine’s finest ballet houses – including The National Opera of Ukraine, Kharkiv Opera Theatre and Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Each member of the Company has their own story of how they escaped the devastating war in their homeland to reach safety and join the Company. Under the artistic direction of Igone de Jonge, former prima ballerina of the Dutch National Ballet, however, they have come together to live and rehearse as one since fleeing Ukraine six months ago.
This October and November, the United Ukrainian Ballet will be visiting Australia to perform the world’s best loved ballet, Swan Lake. To support Ukrainian artists and Ukraine’s cultural heritage, a portion of each ticket sold on the Australian tour will be donated to The United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation.
Don’t miss your chance to see this wonderful ballet, and to support Ukraine’s important arts community.
Swan Lake
21-23 October, Plenary, MCEC, Melbourne
28-30 October, Darling Harbour Theatre, ICC, Sydney
9-12 November, Adelaide Festival theatre
