The dancers in the Grand Kyiv Ballet company know their classical repertoire from “Swan Lake” to “Romeo & Juliet.” But for its first US tour last year, Grand Kyiv Ballet offered up something lighter, something less epic. The company delivered its interpretation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
“Our idea was to show people our culture from another side, Ukraine is not only about war, it’s about (humor) and happiness,” principal dancer and artistic director Oleksandr Stoianov told the Herald.
But for the second tour, Grand Kyiv Ballet will take on a heavier piece, French ballet masterpiece “Giselle” — the company debuts the 60-city tour at Boston’s Colonial Theater on Feb. 23. Created almost a century ago, “Giselle” is an enduring work about love and death.
Stoianov and his wife, fellow principal dancer Kateryna Kukhar, were both out of the country working when Russia invaded Ukraine. After a period of intense chaos and uncertainty, Stoianov and Kukhar managed to move their immediate family to Washington State. From there, they began to put the company back together to bring their art to American audiences.
For Grand Kyiv Ballet, carrying this art, culture, and emotion — the full range of emotions — is the mission of touring “Giselle.”
“‘Giselle’ is another emotion, a different performance (from ‘Snow White’), but when people come to the theater people must experience emotions,” Stoianov said. “They can cry. They can smile. But it must be about emotion.”
“‘Giselle’ is not just an old classic, not just a beautiful performance, with beautiful costumes and music,” he added. “It’s full of drama, full of love. And at the end of the performance there is a sunrise. This sunrise for us represents a sunrise for our country. When darkness disappears we receive a chance for a sunny future.”
This tour features 35 dancers — 25 of whom are from the Ukraine — so it also represents a chance to showcase the country’s legendary ballet legacy and connect with the public in a unique way.
“What we do now, this is the best weapon for artists,” Stoianov said about supporting the Ukrainian cause. “After performances, we show our flag. We speak with mayors of cities, with councils, about Ukraine, about our situation.”
Stoianov, Kukhar, and the dancers know exactly how dire this situation is.
Kukhar still acts as the director of the Kyiv State Ballet College, which is still functioning. Although Stoianov points out the students study at great risk.
“When there are air alarms, the children must stop their studies, go to the bomb shelters,” he said. “It’s really difficult, but we must do it. We must survive, we must go forward, and we must keep celebrating our culture.”
For tickets, details and information about supporting Grand Kyiv Ballet’s charity work, visit grandkyivballet.com
