From October 8 to 30, the National Ballet of Ukraine will embark on a tour of 16 U.S. cities for the first time since gaining independence, Ukrinform reports.
According to the tour organizers, the best artists from the troupe, which performs at the Taras Shevchenko National Opera House, will visit 16 cities on the East Coast of America from October 8 to 30.
The first of twenty planned performances will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on October 8.
The troupe will showcase performances from its classical repertoire, including 'La Bayadère,' 'Giselle,' 'The Dying Swan,' 'Don Quixote,' and 'Harlequinade.'
Additionally, Canadian folk dance group 'Shumka,' founded in 1959, will join the Ukrainian ballet artists.
At the press conference, it was noted that the artists from both groups will perform in front of a state-of-the-art massive 3D screen that will create captivating stage effects.
Part of the proceeds from the performances—ticket sales, merchandise, and individual donations—will be directed toward addressing humanitarian issues in Ukraine caused by the Russian war.
The tour is organized by the American humanitarian organization Humanite, Princeton Entertainment, and the Edward Haddock Family Foundation, with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
‘The National Ballet of Ukraine is undoubtedly one of the leading ballet companies in the world,’ said Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova. ‘However, this tour is meant to showcase much more than ordinary ballet performances. It is a symbol of the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people and an opportunity for Ukraine to display its rich and wonderful cultural heritage.’
Markarova added that the ballet artists are not just showcasing Ukrainian culture; they are nurturing it.
It is important that this tour will help raise resources to assist those affected in Ukraine by Russian aggression, she added.
Jeremy Courtney, CEO of Humanite, emphasized that ‘violence in eastern Ukraine leaves behind significant humanitarian gaps, with the greatest suffering borne by children, the elderly, the poorest, and displaced persons.’
‘These performances are not just incredible shows and celebrations of culture but also a bridge between needy Ukrainians and Americans who want to help,’ he said. ‘For us, this is an opportunity to support our Ukrainian friends and boldly assert that beauty can indeed help rectify what is ugly and destructive.’
As part of the tour, the dancers will visit Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Boston (Massachusetts), several cities in New Jersey, New York, Charlotte (North Carolina), Atlanta (Georgia), and several cities in Florida following Washington, D.C.
