GISELLE
Performed by the UNITED UKRAINIAN BALLET
London Coliseum
13 - 17 September 2022
Love, betrayal, death, mercy: The United Ukrainian Ballet, comprising some sixty dancers in exile, came together in September 2022 to stage one of the greatest works in the classical repertoire in a powerful new interpretation by world renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky at the London Coliseum.
Featuring guest performances from Alina Cojocaru and Christine Shevchenko, and under the baton of Viktor Oliynyk, conductor of the National Opera of Ukraine, this was a uniquely powerful and moving interpretation of one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time, with a company of world-class artists united by the tragedy of war and an ardent hope for the future.
This new interpretation of Giselle specially created for the company by Alexei Ratmansky with the English National Opera Orchestra.
Costumes and sets designed by Hayden Griffin were generously loaned by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
THE UNITED UKRAINIAN BALLET FOUNDATION
The United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation was founded to protect, support and spread the Ukrainian culture that has come under great pressure since the war. The foundation was established in solidarity with the Ukrainian cultural world and in support of the Ukrainian people.
The United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation supports ‘The United Ukrainian Ballet Company’, a ballet company that initiates projects and activities that contribute to the mission described above. In addition, the foundation provides financial support that makes the production and presentation of an artistic program possible. The responsibility of these programs is given to direct partner ‘Senf Theaterpartners’ who are producing on a short-term basis, with the possible ending of the war in mind.
The foundation aims to contribute to providing training, employment and perspective for Ukrainian dancers who have fled, so that they can – as soon as the situation allows it – immediately continue their cultural activities in their own country. These activities take place in the ‘Dutch Centre for Ukrainian Dancers’ in The Hague.
In the longer term, the foundation will continue to work to raise funds and donations to support Ukraine in the reconstruction of the destroyed cultural heritage after the end of the war. The foundation operates on a non-profit basis.
By giving space to an important part of Ukrainian culture – dance and ballet – the foundation aims to guard and protect the country’s identity.
Photography (c) Mark Senior
SUPPORT
The war in Ukraine continues to devastate the lives of ordinary Ukrainians, and threatens the vibrant culture which is integral to the country's artists and their livelihoods. You can continue to help by donating to the charities supported by Giselle at the links below:
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