The Kyiv City Ballet | A Glance at Ukraine's Ballet Company

In its historic first US tour, Kyiv City Ballet continues to live out its mission—to bring joy to audiences through ballet. "Touring the States for the first time with a range of ballets makes an important global statement,” said Ivan Kozlov, Artistic Director, “It demonstrates the resilience of the Ukrainian people," (Broadway World). Learn more about the international company and its program from their Northrop performance in Oct 2022.

Top image: Tribute to Peace: Kristina Kadashevych and Mykola Chebotarov. Photo by Julia Nash Photography

Solo dancer bare chested looking down, suround by people with frantic arms and faces

Thoughts: Vladyslav Dobshynskyi with artists of the Kyiv City Ballet. Photo by Julia Nash Photography

An Unexpected Tour of the US
The day before Ukraine was invaded in Feb, the Kyiv City Ballet unknowingly took one of the last flights out of Kyiv. The company flew to Paris to begin a long-planned tour but found themselves stranded in France after the invasion began. The company has not returned home since. Instead, they have performed throughout France and Europe, before embarking on an inaugural tour major cultural arts centers across the United States.

Central dancer in spotlight, arms out, looking down, one foot extended out to the side

Thoughts: Vladyslav Dobshynskyi with artists of the Kyiv City Ballet. Photo by Julia Nash Photography

A Warm Welcome
Since leaving Ukraine, the company has been to France, the Czech Republic, England, and Egypt. Company dancer Kristina Kadashevych noted that “People have been very warm and supportive everywhere we travel” and spoke on behalf of the company saying “We would like everyone to know how thankful we are for the support we have received everywhere we go.”

Two groups of dancers in lines facing eachother, one solo dancer posed behind each line

Thoughts: Artists of the Kyiv City Ballet. Photo by Julia Nash Photography

Choreographing During a Crisis
On this tour, Kyiv City Ballet is performing programs of mixed repertoire. The company brought Tribute to Peace to Northrop’s Carlson Family Stage, a neoclassical work choreographed by Ekaterina Kozlova and Ivan Kozlov during the company’s elapsed time in Paris.

Ivan Kozlov. Courtesy of Kyiv City Ballet

Dancer to Director
Ex-premier dancer of the National Opera of Ukraine, The St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet, International Ballet Theater, and the Mariinsky Theater, Ivan Kozlov comes from a renowned background of corps and soloist positions. Kozlov has been the Executive Director of the Kyiv City Ballet since 2014, with which he has successfully toured Europe and the world.

Group of dancers bent forward in mid stride form a close circle around a small group with arms up supporting a single dancer on her back, arms out and one leg straight up in the air.

Thoughts: Maryna Apanasenko with artists of the Kyiv City Ballet. Photo by Julia Nash Photography

Continuation of the Classics
While the Kyiv City Ballet continues to create new and inspiring works, they have also brought a repertoire of familiar favorites with them to America—including century-old variations of famed classic ballets Swan Lake, Paquita, La Bayadere, and Don Quixote. These pas de deux remain relevant throughout time due to their universal themes.

two dancers perform in front of a very color backdrop of a street with houses and trees

Tribute to Peace: Mykola Chebotarov and Kristina Kadashevych. Photo by Julia Nash Photography

Making National Headlines
Kyiv City Ballet is making national news as seen in these stories on CBS Evening News with Nora O’Donnell and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.

Did You Know? A Glance at Kyiv City Ballet

The Main Event

Kyiv City Ballet