The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine returns to Australia 

The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine unite once more to bring their powerful and moving double bill of Forest Song & Don Quixote back to Australia in May, June and July 2024.

Separated from their families, loved ones, and country, the embattled performers’ dedication to their craft echoes the spirits of the more than 5 million Ukrainians displaced since the war began, with performances that have garnered global acclaim.

The Grand Kyiv Ballet was founded in 2014 by Artistic Director Oleksandr Stoianov, previously a principal dancer with the National Opera of Ukraine for a decade.

Since the outbreak of war in 2022, the Grand Kyiv Ballet has continued to bring its outstanding performance to audiences around the world, including the USA, France, Sweden, Norway, Poland, China, Scandinavia, and South America. The Ballet has also showcased charity tours to raise awareness and support for their country.

Following a spectacular 2023 Australian tour with standing ovations after each performance, The Grand Kyiv Ballet returns to Australia this month to once again show the world the indomitable spirits of the Ukraine people by using the stage to share the majesty and beauty of their homeland.

Act One – The Ukrainian showpiece: Forest Song

This legendary ballet, which for over 75 years remains not only the pride of Ukraine, but also of world choreography and cultural heritage. Forest Song is based on the Ukrainian folk story with music by Ukrainian composer Mikhail Skorulskyi, who created an anthem for wildlife, nature and true love, to which the main characters aspire.

Forest Song is a magical love story, full of mysticism alongside the conflict between the human world and nature. It tells a tale of love between a fantastical forest creature Mavka and a man, Lukash. The story is of the fearless and brave Mavka, who longs for peace in her world, just as Ukraine longs for peace in her country today. The ballet is filled with complex duets, fouettés and incredible choreographic pieces. 

Acts Two & Three – Don Quixote

This flamboyant and festive Spanish ballet is a much-loved romantic comedy. It tells the story of a courageous but troubled man’s quest for love. Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza set off on an adventure together hoping to achieve great feats and bring glory to his name. Gypsies, bullfighters, lavish costumes, breathtaking dancers, and an inspiring music score ensure that Don Quixote is a not-to-be-missed experience.

The Principal Soloists are Viktor Tomashek, the recipient of the prestigious Laureate Award and the only non-Ukrainian member of the company, Japanese-born Mie Nagasawa from Japan. Mie who was dancing with the Grand Kyiv Ballet when war broke out in Ukraine. This brilliant and brave elite dancer now tours the world with them. 

Two sensational performances. One magnificent evening of ballet. 

Visit https://www.ukraineballet.com.au/ to book now.

Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine Don Quixote, Image credit Grand Kyiv Ballet