If there were a war, conflict, or any sort of violence happening in your area, would you hide and stay safe, or would you continue to live your life without constant fear? There is a constant battle and attacks in populated cities in Ukraine. Many civilians are tortured with loss and terror. In times like these, there needs to be a light source to guide those and to create positivity, limit fear, and increase peace.
That light is the National Ballet of Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war, these talented dancers are still dancing through it all. They are currently on their world tour spreading awareness and positivity. Their purpose for dancing is to display the strength of Ukrainian culture. Ukrainian-dedicated dances are not all they do; they perform classic pieces as well, such as Giselle and Don Quixote. Despite the recent attacks on cities in Ukraine, the company continues to perform, though there are restrictions on the population of audience members due to the amount of space in the theater’s bomb shelter. This piece of information really makes one think about how unsettling that is. This fact underscores the fact that there is a constant threat of danger.
A popular piece among audiences is “Prayer for the Fallen.”
This particular dance portrays the dancer running away from bombings and violence with debris and ruins in the background. Many audience members who are from Ukraine state that they appreciate the dancers. Ukrainian descendent Venetta Veres says, “It has to remind people that the war is still going and that they have endured and that they will endure and that we still have to keep fighting for freedom at any cost.” Another Ukraine-dedicated dance is called “Forest Song, “ and it simply portrays pure Ukrainian culture.
As a dancer myself, this is a perfect example of the importance of the arts. Whether it’s art, music, or dancing, all forms of artistry are powerful and can make a strong statement on many topics. Everyday dancers use their bodies as instruments to tell a story, relay a message, or get the attention of a certain audience, and this is exactly what the National Ballet of Ukraine is doing. Not only are they spreading awareness, but they are also bringing peace, entertainment, and positivity to those suffering or maybe those looking for a distraction.
