One of the world’s finest ballet companies, the National Ballet of Ukraine (NBU), will perform at the Count Basie Center for the Arts Monday, Oct. 14, joined by the acclaimed Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. But this is more than just an opportunity to witness stellar dancing; proceeds from the 16-city U.S. tour will raise funds to benefit the citizens of Ukraine through partnerships with HUMANITE Peace Collective and the Ukraine House in Washington D.C.
“This tour represents much more than a typical dance performance; it is a symbol of the resilience and bravery of the embattled Ukrainian people and an opportunity for Ukraine to celebrate its rich and remarkable cultural legacy,” Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., said in a statement. “The dancers are not just showcasing Ukrainian culture, they are preserving it. Even more importantly, this tour will raise urgently needed funds to help the embattled citizens of my home country as they bravely continue to combat against the harrowing onslaught of the Russian military.”
The National Ballet of Ukraine will perform highlights from its classical repertoire to showcase their culture and identity. The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, a group established in 1959 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, will present vibrant traditional folk dances in historic costumes. In all, 44 dancers from both companies will perform before a massive, state-of-the-art 3-D screen, immersing the audience in spectacular scenic elements. The program will include some of their most beautiful dances, including “La Bayadere,” “Giselle,” “The Dying Swan,” “Don Quixote” and “Harlequinade.”
“This production will be a thrilling showcase of the artistry of the National Ballet of Ukraine’s superb dancers and Shumka’s unbelievably exciting choreography,” said Ed Kasses of Princeton Entertainment Group, one of the producers of the tour, along with HUMANITE and the Edward E. Haddock Jr. Family Foundation. “The 3D LED screen will envelop the audience, erasing the line between viewers and the stage. As the only dance company officially touring under the auspices of the Ukrainian government, NBU’s company serves as ambassadors to the United States, affirming that even during the most difficult of times Ukrainians remain strong, vigilant and proud of their nation and heritage.”
The National Ballet of Ukraine, based in Kyiv’s National Opera House, is performing in the U.S. for the first time since Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago. This tour is an opportunity for these artists to celebrate their rich culture while also supporting their fellow citizens in a time of dire need.
“Ongoing violence across Eastern Ukraine leaves huge humanitarian gaps in its wake – gaps that most affect children, elderly people, the poor and displaced,” said Jeremy Courtney, founder and CEO of HUMANITE, a global peace collective founded by refugees and war survivors. “There are still huge parts of the country without regular access to food, water, electricity, medicine and shelter. This tour is not just an incredible performance and celebration of culture, but a bridge between Ukrainians in need and Americans who want to help. This is an opportunity for us to stand with our Ukrainian friends and make a bold statement that something beautiful really can help mend something ugly and destructive.”
Source: The Two River Times