Next Tuesday, March 8, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, the Kiev City Ballet show in favor of Ukraine was sold out. The young dancers were welcomed with cheers and the flags of their country.
The Kiev City Ballet arrived in France on February 23, 2022, the day before the Russian military invasion. Their tour was to end on March 14, the date of their return to Ukraine. But after the dramatic events that have transpired in the country, Anne Hidalgo has offered artists to stay in Paris for as long as they want and thus continue to live their passion. For the mayor it is a way to “Positioning culture as a peaceful weapon”†
† It’s a very difficult time for us. I can’t find the words, I didn’t expect it at all, but you show the world that we can live and love in peace. Thank you† †
Ivan Kozlov, the director of Kiev City Ballet, quoted by euro news
This Tuesday evening, the Ukrainian company performed on the main stage of the Théâtre du Châtelet. A moment full of emotion, as it was his first performance since the city of Paris granted him the residency on March 3. The young performers of the dance company were accompanied by dancers from the ballet of the Paris Opera.
At the end of the performance, hand on heart, the Ukrainian company sang the national anthem of their country at war. A symbolic gesture that has long been praised by the public, as evidenced by these two videos shared on “Stand With Ukraine”, a Twitter account supporting the Ukrainian people.
The funds raised during the various performances will be donated in full to Acted, an international solidarity association that addresses the humanitarian needs of populations in crisis, and to the Red Cross to help the Ukrainian people.