Photograph by Oleksandra Zlunitsyna
Celebrating Ukraine’s Cultural Legacy: The National Ballet of Ukraine joined by the Shumka Ukrainian Dancers Embark on a Historic US Tour to Inspire and Safeguard Ukrainian Heritage
At Spotlight Ukraine, we’re dedicated to sharing the richness and beauty of Ukraine’s cultural heritage with the world. In a time when that heritage is under threat, it’s more important than ever to celebrate and preserve it. That’s why we’re excited to share the news that the National Ballet of Ukraine, one of the world’s most distinguished ballet companies, is embarking on a historic US tour. Joining them will be Shumka, the acclaimed Ukrainian-Canadian folk dance company known for its electrifying performances.
This blog kicks off a series that will provide an in-depth look at the tour and its significance in preserving Ukraine’s cultural identity. Stay tuned as we explore the National Ballet of Ukraine, Shumka, and hear directly from the dancers about what this tour means to them.
Unveiling the Tour: Key Figures Discuss the Historic US Tour and Its Impact
To kick-off the tour, a press conference was held at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C. Esteemed speakers shared their insights on the significance of this historic tour and the unique program that audiences will experience. Speakers included Kateryna Smagliy from the Ukrainian Embassy, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova, Mr. Edward Kassas from Princeton Entertainment Group, Jane Raleigh, Director of Dance Programming at the Kennedy Center, and Petro Chupryna, General Director of the National Opera House of Ukraine. Prima Ballerina Natalia Matsak, Premier Soloist Mykyta Sukhorukov, and Les Sereda, Artistic Director of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, also spoke about their roles in the tour, while Jeremy Courtney, CEO of Humanite, highlighted the tour’s humanitarian mission. We’ve posted the press conference video on YouTube, courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations, where you can hear directly from these esteemed leaders and artists united in their commitment to sharing and preserving Ukrainian culture. Access the video here.
Watch the National Ballet of Ukraine preparing for the upcoming tour and keep reading to discover more about the tour’s breathtaking performances, the unique collaboration with Shumka, and how this historic tour is preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage while supporting vital humanitarian efforts.
Experience the Brilliance of World-Class Ballet and Ukrainian Culture
Amid a devastating war in Ukraine, the US tour of the National Ballet of Ukraine represents far more than a series of breathtaking performances; it’s a celebration of Ukrainian resilience, culture, and the unwavering spirit of the Ukrainian people. Featuring world-class talent and the artistry that has made the company renowned, this tour is a chance for Americans to witness the soul of Ukraine through the universal language of dance.
In the press conference announcing the tour, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, spoke passionately about the significance of the National Ballet of Ukraine’s tour. She emphasized how the arts reflect Ukraine’s identity, especially in these turbulent times. Ambassador Markarova shared, “Artists use the colors of music, dance, and poetry to proclaim our identity to the world. Let this tour be a celebration of what binds our great nations together—freedom, expression, and the pursuit of peace and beauty over tyranny and destruction. This is what Ukraine is fighting for now—for art and creativity to multiply and be preserved. For theaters not to be burned. For artists and admirers not to perish, and for music to sound across our country instead of sirens, as we hear now. So on behalf of everyone in Ukraine, on behalf of the Embassy of Ukraine, we wholeheartedly thank you for this tour.”
The Historic Tour Set To Kicks Off at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
There could be no more fitting place to kick off the tour than the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. At the press conference announcing the tour, Jane Raleigh, Director of Dance Programming at the Kennedy Center, emphasized the significance of hosting the ballet company at this iconic venue. “For us, this upcoming performance is not only about showcasing extraordinary artistic talent, it is about demonstrating the importance of culture and, of course, the power of music and dance to unite and inspire,” Raleigh stated.
The Kennedy Center has long been a beacon of connection, amplifying the universal human experience through the arts. Since the war in Ukraine began, the Kennedy Center has proudly hosted Ukrainian artists such as the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra. As Raleigh remarked during the press conference, it is the Kennedy Center’s great honor to welcome the dancers of Ukraine to their stage, offering a platform to share their cultural heritage and showcase their resilience in the face of adversity. Kicking off at this prestigious cultural landmark, the National Ballet of Ukraine’s U.S. tour not only highlights the brilliance of Ukrainian artistry but also stands as a testament to the power of the arts to unite nations during times of conflict.
The first leg of the tour will include 20 performances in cities across the East Coast. Here’s a list of the tour dates and you can click here to buy tickets.
- Washington, DC – Oct 8 – John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Philadelphia, PA – Oct 9 – Miller Theater
- Boston, MA – Oct 10 – Shubert Theatre at the Boch Center
- Englewood, NJ – Oct 12 – Bergen Performing Arts Center
- New Brunswick, NJ – Oct 13 – State Theatre New Jersey
- Red Bank, NJ – Oct 14 – Count Basie Center for the Arts
- New York City, NY – Oct 15-16 – New York City Center
- Charlotte, NC – Oct 19 – Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Arts Center
- Atlanta, GA – Oct 20 – Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
- Jacksonville, FL – Oct 21 – Moran Theater
- Sarasota, FL – Oct 23 – Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
- Tampa, FL – Oct 24 – Straz Center for the Performing Arts
- Miami, FL – Oct 25-26 – Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
- The Villages, FL – Oct 27 – Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center
- Fort Myers, FL – Oct 28 – Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
- Orlando, FL – Oct 29-30 – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Following this initial leg, the ballet company will return to Kyiv to perform at the Taras Shevchenko National Opera House. In February 2025, the tour will return to the US for a second leg, with performances planned across the Midwest and West Coast.
Taras Shevchenko National Opera House in Kyiv. Photograph by @Tverkhovinets.
A Groundbreaking Performance Like No Other
The National Ballet of Ukraine’s US tour offers an array of firsts that will make each performance unforgettable. This historic tour marks the first time the National Ballet of Ukraine has toured the US since the fall of the Soviet Union over 30 years ago. For the first time in the company’s history, Shumka will join the National Ballet of Ukraine. The performances will showcase a dynamic fusion of classical ballet and traditional Ukrainian folk dance, highlighting the depth and vibrancy of Ukrainian culture.
In a recent interview with Spotlight Ukraine, Marc McMurrin, President & CEO of the Ginsburg Family Foundation, one of the tour’s sponsors, remarked that the program has been specially curated to celebrate Ukrainian culture in ways that have never been done before through dance. “We’ll have great ballet masterpieces, but we’ll also feature Ukrainian composers, showing their unique culture,” McMurrin explained. Shumka’s acrobatic and colorful folk dances will add a layer of emotional intensity and excitement to the program, taking the audience through a myriad of emotions.
The National Ballet of Ukraine performing La-Bayadare, featuring Anastasiia Shevchenko and Ivan Avdijevsky. Photography by Oleksandra Zlunitsyna.
Another first for the tour is the inclusion of an immersive 3D LED screen that brings the scenic elements out of the backdrop and into the audience. Edward Kassas, President of Princeton Entertainment Group, the tour’s organizer, described the visual experience at the press conference. “If it’s a scene where it’s snowing on the dancers, the snow will actually come out into the audience through 3D, so the line between the stage and the audience disappears and you feel like you’re one with the dancers and one with the performance in a way that’s never been done at a dance performance before,” Kassas said. This will be the first time such technology has been used in a ballet dance performance, creating unparalleled engagement and immersion.
During our recent interview, Marc McMurrin also noted the significance of the innovative visual experience. He shared how the show opens with a rendition of the Prayer for Ukraine, sung by the Kyiv opera chorus, with a backdrop of cinematic views of Ukraine’s landscapes, people, and cityscapes, offering the audience a rare and moving glimpse into the country’s beauty. The second act will harness the 3D technology, but as McMurrin explained, the focus remains on the dancers: “The screen lifts up the experience of the environment that you’re in, but the focus is still the dancers.”
Tetiana Lozova in the air and company members from the National Ballet of Ukraine. Photography by Oleksandra Zlunitsyna.
Tetiana Lozova and Yaroslav-Tkachuk from the National Ballet of Ukraine. Photography by Oleksandra Zlunitsyna
Marc McMurren also remarked, “The program will take audiences on an emotional journey.” He went on to describe how The Lacrimosa from Mozart’s Requiem serves as the backdrop for a powerful performance featuring two male dancers and one female dancer. As McMurrin described, this piece will depict the devastation of war, with one male dancer and the female dancer meeting a tragic end in a heart-wrenching finale. “It’s extremely powerful. There’s not going to be a dry eye in the house,” McMurrin reflected. This poignant performance reminds the audience of the true cost of freedom, connecting the beauty of dance with the painful reality of Ukraine’s current struggle. The second half of the performance is a celebration of Ukrainian culture, culminating in the Hopak, a classic, exuberant Ukrainian folk dance. Whether the audience members are new to Ukrainian culture or hold a deep appreciation for it, they will be swept up in the energy and spirit of the performance.
Shumka: A Celebration of Ukrainian Folk Dance
Adding a dynamic new dimension to the National Ballet of Ukraine’s US tour, the renowned Ukrainian Shumka folk dancers will bring their electrifying energy and athleticism to the stage. The Canadian-based Shumka dance company has a 65-year history and is celebrated for its breathtaking performances that blend tradition with modernity. As a special guest in this historic tour, Shumka will present four Ukrainian folk dances.
Les Sereda, Artistic Director of Shumka, spoke at the press conference and expressed his pride in the ensemble’s longstanding relationship with the National Ballet of Ukraine, which dates back to their historic performance as the first Canadian Dance Company to perform at the National Opera House in Kyiv in 1990. Sereda also reflected on the significance of this tour during such a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s history: “Today, amidst the terrible war, Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom. Shumka is proud to be part of this tour, sharing the stage with the National Ballet of Ukraine and raising funds for humanitarian relief efforts.” Shumka’s performances will feature choreography by some of Ukraine’s most respected artists.
Shumka On Tour. Photography by Ryan Parker Photography.
A highlight of Shumka’s contribution will be the iconic Hopak, a Ukrainian folk dance that originated in the 16th century and is often referred to as the “National Dance of Ukraine.” Known for its intense athleticism, the Hopak features men performing unbelievable athletic leaps, kicks, and turns while the women complement the performance with graceful, flowing movements. The dance has come to symbolize the joy and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Shumka On Tour. Photography by Ryan Parker Photography.
Shumka On Tour. Photography by Ryan Parker Photography.
What This Tour Means to the Ukrainian Dancers: Reflecting on the Power of Art in War
As the National Ballet of Ukraine prepares for its historic U.S. tour, the artists reflect on the profound significance of this moment—not just as a showcase of artistry but as a representation of Ukraine’s enduring spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. During the tour’s press conference, two of the ballet’s celebrated dancers, Prima Ballerina Natalia Matsak and Premier Soloist Mykyta Sukhorukov shared heartfelt reflections on what this tour means to them and the people of Ukraine.
Prima Ballerina Natalia Matsak
Premier Soloist Mykyta Sukhorukov
For Natalia Matsak, this tour is a symbol of resilience, humanity, and hope. In her emotional message at the press conference, she expressed how the war has deeply affected the arts community in Ukraine and affirmed the critical role that artists play during times of conflict. “It is a great honor for us to represent our country, and we look forward to meeting our American friends,” she began. “This war has taken so much from us, but it cannot and will not take the spirit of the Ukrainian people. Since the war began, many artists fled the country, some perished on the frontlines, while others continued to preserve our identity and culture. I do believe artists have a role to play in this war, whether on the battlefield or the stage.”
Her words painted a picture of the immense responsibility these dancers carry—not only to showcase their cultural heritage but to remind the world that the spirit of Ukraine endures through art, beauty, and shared humanity. “Let this ballet be a reminder that we are a nation of people united by so much more than a common enemy. We share language, culture, art, beauty, and history. Let us be reminded that we must not lose our humanity in this fight for survival.”
Natalia Matsak’s message was not just a call to appreciate the artistry of the ballet but a poignant plea for solidarity. “By joining us, you are not just buying a ticket to a world-class performance by some of Ukraine’s most accomplished dancers. You are supporting fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters affected by the senseless brutality. Joining us on this tour means supporting life, the arts, and all those affected by this war.” In closing, she offered her gratitude to the American people, saying, “May God bless the United States of America, and may God bring swift victory to Ukraine.”
For Mykyta Sukhorukov, Premier Soloist, the tour is significant in marking a return of the National Ballet of Ukraine to the United States after more than three decades. He spoke with deep pride about the long-standing friendship between Ukraine and America. “The National Ballet of Ukraine has not officially toured the United States in more than 30 years, so this tour is very special,” he shared. “Ukraine and America share so much in common, especially our mutual love and respect for the arts, culture, and sanctity of human life. This friendship between our two great nations is strong, and we’re so proud and honored to be performing in 16 beautiful cities in this initial East Coast tour.”
Sukhorukov emphasized how music, dance, and art are intrinsic to the Ukrainian identity. “For us Ukrainians, music, dance, and art are a deep part of our culture. These shared traditions and heritage unite our people, like language and history.” He also remarked, ” By touring the United States, we hope to share with you an important part of what makes us Ukrainian, opening our hearts to the American people. We hope you do the same back to us.”
Through their words, Matsak and Sukhorukov remind us that this tour is not just a display of artistic talent; it is a powerful testament to Ukraine’s hope, resilience, and determination. These dancers, through every movement, carry the weight of their country’s struggle and the beauty of its enduring culture. Their performances will be a tribute to all those who have been affected by the war, a beacon of light in dark times, and a reminder that through art, we can all find strength and unity.
Supporting Ukraine’s Most Vulnerable Through Art
The National Ballet of Ukraine US Tour is appropriately titled, “Nadiya Ukraine,” which means “Hope of Ukraine.” The tour is not just about sharing the artistry of dance and Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage but also serves a greater purpose: supporting the war-torn nation of Ukraine as it courageously faces the ongoing Russian invasion. Portions of the proceeds from the tour—from ticket purchases, merchandise, and individual donations—will benefit HUMANITE and Ukraine House, organizations dedicated to restoring and improving the lives of Ukrainian families affected by the war.
Jeremy Courtney, CEO of Humanite, spoke at the press conference and emphasized the importance of the tour’s humanitarian mission: “This tour is not just an incredible performance and celebration of culture, but a bridge between Ukrainians in need and Americans who want to help.” By attending these performances, audiences have a unique opportunity to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Be Part of Ukraine’s Cultural Legacy
Don’t miss this unforgettable performance! The National Ballet of Ukraine’s US tour is not only a cultural milestone but a powerful expression of resilience and hope. This tour is a rare opportunity to witness world-class performances while directly supporting Ukraine’s humanitarian needs. By attending, you will experience the beauty of ballet and Ukrainian folk dance, enhanced by groundbreaking 3D technology, and join in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
We encourage you to share information about this once-in-a-lifetime event with friends, family, and colleagues. Help us spread the word about the tour’s mission—both to celebrate Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and to provide life-saving aid to those affected by the ongoing war. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, brings hope to thousands of Ukrainian families in need.
Be sure to keep an eye out for more stories about the tour, where you’ll learn more about the dance companies and artists. Thank you for standing with Ukraine and supporting this incredible cause through the power of art.
Click here to visit the National Ballet of Ukraine website to purchase tickets.