The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine returns to Australia
After more than two years of exile from their war-torn country, 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 in May 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.
The costumes have been designed by famous Ukrainian fashion designer Malva Verbitskaya, who has created the stage costumes for “Forest Song”.
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.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine Tour Dates
Saturday 4th May, 2024 – EMPIRE THEATRE, TOOWOOMBA QLD – 7.30pm – Bookings: 1300 655 299
Sunday 5th May, 2024 – THE STAR, GOLD COAST QLD – 5.00pm- Bookings: (07) 5592 8130
Monday 6th May, 2024 – QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE CONCERT HALL, BRISBANE QLD – Bookings: Ticketek 131 246
Tuesday 7th May, 2024 – QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE CONCERT HALL, BRISBANE QLD – Bookings: Ticketek 131 246
Saturday 11th May, 2024 – WREST POINT CASINO SHOWROOM, HOBART TAS – Bookings: 1800 030 611
Sunday 12th May, 2024 – THEATRE NORTH PRINCESS THEATRE, LAUNCESTON TAS – Bookings: (03) 6331 0052
Tuesday 14th May, 2024 – THE PLAYHOUSE GEELONG ARTS CENTRE VIC – Bookings: 1300 251 200
Wednesday 15th May, 2024 – FRANKSTON ARTS CENTRE VIC – Bookings: (03) 9784 1060
Thursday 16th May, 2024 – PALAIS THEATRE, ST KILDA VIC – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 446 925
Saturday 18th May, 2024 – STATE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW – 8.00pm – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 139 588
Sunday 19th May, 2024 – STATE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW – 2.00pm – Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 139 588
Tuesday 21st May, 2024 – CIVIC THEATRE, ORANGE NSW – Bookings: (02) 6393 8111
Thursday 23rd May, 2024 – REGIONAL THEATRE, GRIFFITH NSW – Bookings: (02) 6962 8444
Saturday 25th May, 2024 – THE EVENTS CENTRE, CALOUNDRA QLD – Bookings: (07) 5491 4240
Thursday 28th May, 2024 – BATHURST MEMORIAL ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE NSW – Bookings: (02) 6333 6161
Wednesday 29th May, 2024 – CIVIC THEATRE, NEWCASTLE NSW – Bookings: (02) 4929 1977 www.ticketek.com.au
Thursday 30th May – CIVIC THEATRE, NEWCASTLE NSW – Bookings: (02) 4929 1977 www.ticketek.com.au
Saturday 1st June, 2024 – GLASSHOUSE, PORT MACQUARIE NSW -2.00pm & 7.30pm – Bookings: (02) 6581 8888
Wednesday 26th June, 2024 – HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE, ADELAIDE SA – Bookings: Ticketek 131 246
Thursday 27th June, 2024 – ALBURY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE NSW – Bookings: (02) 6043 5610
Friday 28th June, 2024 – CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE ACT – Bookings: (02) 6275 2700
Saturday 29th June, 2024 – CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE ACT – Bookings: (02) 6275 2700
Wednesday 3rd July 2024 – ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, WOLLONGONG NSW – Bookings: (02) 4224 5999
Thursday 4th July 2024 – ILLAWARRA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, WOLLONGONG NSW – Bookings: (02) 4224 5999
Friday 5th July 2024 – REGIONAL THEATRE & CONVENTION CENTRE, DUBBO NSW – Bookings: (02) 6801 6378
Saturday 6th July 2024 – REGIONAL THEATRE & CONVENTION CENTRE, DUBBO NSW – Bookings: (02) 6801 6378
About the Author
Adrian Gunning Adrian lives in Melbourne Australia and has a huge passion for gaming, technology and pop culture. He recently finished his a Bachelor of Journalism and is currently focusing on games journalism. When not writing and playing video games, Adrian can be found in Comics 'R' Us debating the pros of the DC Universe and cons of the Marvel Universe.
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