Ballet Stars Defy War for Kyiv's Stage

Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, an advocate for Ukraine, returned to Kyiv with his wife Tatiana to work with the National Ballet of Ukraine. Their visit aimed to stage George Balanchine's 'Donizetti Variations,' a challenging yet uplifting ballet. This return occurred during a period of intense conflict, with the city frequently subjected to air raids and necessitating multiple trips to bomb shelters daily.

The National Ballet of Ukraine is operating under difficult conditions, with its company reduced from 176 to 95 dancers. Performances and daily rehearsals are often interrupted by air raid sirens, and audiences sometimes retreat to underground shelters. Despite these challenges, the dancers exhibit extraordinary commitment, arriving on time for classes and rehearsals, finding solace and purpose in their work.

Ratmansky chose 'Donizetti Variations' for its uplifting nature and suitability for the company's classical training, adapting to its demanding pace. The company also continues to tour internationally, having recently performed in Japan and preparing for a trip to Dubai, demonstrating remarkable resilience and a determination to maintain artistic output amidst the ongoing war.