Ukrainian Ballerinas Fled Home But Are Back on Stage

Russia continues its unprovoked deadly invasion of Ukraine. Images shown daily on the news highlights the death and destruction inflicted upon the European country. In addition to those innocent people killed in Russia’s assault, many fled their homeland for safety. 

Despite everything they have gone through, one group of Ukrainians – dancers with The United Ukrainian Ballet - refused to let the brutality of war stop them from doing what they love, according to one YouTube clip. They are currently on a worldwide tour. 

However, this comes after Russian forces began invading, bombing and destroying Ukraine.

The clip points out that one of the dancers, Oleskii Knyazkov, was set to star in a production in Ukraine last year. But things quickly changed. 

“You don’t think about performing or something like this when aircrafts go over your house or you hear explosions,” he said. 

Another dancer, Vladyslava Ihnatenko, the clip mentions, fled with dance clothes and one pair of ballet shoes. 

“We didn’t dance for a really long time because the most important thing was to save yourself,” she said.

While the group travels around the world, they still yearn to go back home to Ukraine. But they understand that with Russia’s continued assault on their native country, that desire is nearly impossible. 

“Yes, you can't plan anything,” Oleskii said. “Maybe tomorrow everything will change. Will we have our home for tomorrow? You don’t know.”

The dancers with the United Ukrainian Ballet made their U.S. debut in Washington, according to the YouTube clip. They performed at the Kennedy Center. 

What a heartbreak story about the realities of war. However, it’s also a beautiful example of the human spirit and the will to survive and preserve in terrible conditions. 

Revelation 2:3 “You have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary.”