BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)-- If it’s Christmas time, it’s time for hundreds of “Nutcracker” performances throughout our area.
But none was perhaps more heartfelt than a Ukrainian ballet company’s fundraising performance to raise money for their ballet school, which was bombed during the early days of the Russian invasion.
It was an evening filled with hope and healing.
Thirty-five professional Ukrainian Grand Kyiv Ballet dancers performed in “The Nutcracker” at Brooklyn‘s Kings Theatre.
It’s been 2 years since their ballet school was bombed. Some students were killed.
Others fled to safer parts of Europe, like the dancer in the lead role of Clara.
“I’m so happy that we can send money to rebuild,” Anna Stoianova, principal dancer, told PIX11 News. “I grew up in the school. It was my second home,” she added.
More than 1500 people attended this fundraising performance. A portion of the $49 ticket price will go towards rebuilding Kyiv State Choreographic College.
“For all my colleagues in the company, it’s scary,” Zack Tidswell, a company member from England, told PIX11 News. “They don’t have a home. They have to keep dancing. They have to keep touring; otherwise, they don’t have work. They don’t have somewhere they can go back to.”
Many in the audience came to see and support these world-class dancers, who have suffered greatly in their homeland.
“I’m really glad my ticket is contributing to the school over there,” Milca Ariste, an audience member, told PIX11 News. “I know there’s a lot of talent. I am glad I can participate in some way.”
“Since a lot of people in Ukraine struggle with the funding, especially right now, because of the war, I’m glad I can help, Dasha Faynshteyn, a Ukrainian New Yorker who was an audience member, told PIX11 News.
Another audience member, Angela Law, added, “We’ve been to the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. I know there’s a lot of different options, but this was in Brooklyn. We live in Brooklyn. It’s a good cause,” she added.
The next performance of the Grand Kyiv Ballet will be on Wednesday in Tribeca, a world premiere of a new ballet called “Snow Queen.”
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