United Ukrainian Ballet – A Story of Resilience and Artistry
When war forces you to leave everything behind, what remains? For the 65+ dancers of the United Ukrainian Ballet, the answer is clear: their craft, their passion, and their determination to keep their culture alive.
Founded in the Netherlands, this unique ballet company is made up of dancers from the national theaters of Kyiv and Kharkiv, all of whom fled their country due to the ongoing war. Each carries a personal story of loss, displacement, and survival—stories that now find expression on stage through their performance of Giselle.
Under the guidance of renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, himself a native of Ukraine, the company breathes new life into this timeless ballet. Themes of love, betrayal, loss, and grace take on a new, urgent meaning, echoing the struggles and strength of a displaced nation.
This is more than a performance. It’s a statement of resilience, a tribute to Ukrainian culture, and a powerful reminder of art’s ability to endure—even in the darkest times.
Production team
Client: MORE Theater
Concept: Tom de Jong
Director: Tom de Jong
Producer: Tom de Jong, Kimberly ten Tuijnte
DOP: Tijl Bluijs
Camera: Remco Hoogenboom
Photo: Harrison May
Production assistant: Martine Coehorst
Editor: Remco Hoogenboom
