Ballet Day

To mark World Ballet Day, celebrated this year on 29 October, we turn our attention to the rich heritage of Ukrainian ballet. 

This international celebration brings together admirers of classical dance and draws attention to the daily dedication of dancers and leading ballet schools.

Ukrainian ballet has deep historical roots, with three distinguished opera houses serving as important centres of its development. The National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv was founded in 1867, while its present building was constructed between 1898 and 1901 to a design by architect Viktor Schröter in the Neo-Renaissance style. The Odesa Opera and Ballet Theatre was built between 1884 and 1887 to a design by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer in the Neo-Baroque style, with Rococo elements in its interior. The Lviv Opera House was constructed between 1897 and 1900 to a design by Zygmunt Gorgolewski, harmoniously combining historical architectural styles. These theatres are outstanding architectural landmarks and centres of musical and performing arts, while their companies are known for their high level of artistry and expressive movement.

The distinctive character of Ukrainian ballet holds a powerful presence on the world cultural stage. Ukrainian dancers and leading companies continue to captivate audiences in Japan and Europe, earning their admiration. A striking example of cultural exchange is the ballet company of the National Opera of Ukraine, whose artistic director since March 2023 has been Nobuhiro Terada (寺田宜弘), as well as Ukrainian ballet tours in Japan.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, against the backdrop of the war that has continued since 2014, has inspired profound international solidarity with Ukrainian performers, who receive support and appear on stages across Japan, Europe and the Americas. At the same time, a number of leading European theatres have revised their repertoires and cancelled tours by russian state ballet companies. These changes, together with support for Ukrainian artists, create new opportunities to present Ukraine's distinctive choreography and national music.

Ukrainian ballet represents a rich heritage and a powerful voice for Ukraine in the contemporary cultural landscape. The graceful language of dance has a unique ability to cross borders, bring different cultures together and open people's hearts to deeper mutual understanding, beauty and spiritual connection.