arts

Ukraine’s Kyiv City Ballet Return To York

Kyiv City Ballet - credit Tom Arber

Following a sell-out performance in June 2022, York Theatre Royal are once again welcoming Kyiv City Ballet back to York with a special visit to the city this month - including a one-off fundraising gala performance.

Following the hugely warm welcome the Kyiv City Ballet company received last year, partners across the city are coming together to ensure another visit to remember for the 30-strong dance troupe.

credit Kyiv City Ballet

Plans for their stay include a visit to a local primary school, a special lunch with Ukrainian families based in York, and a one-night gala performance at York Theatre Royal on 30 March.

Maryna Apanasendo - credit Kviv City Ballet

A wide range of businesses in York and beyond have come together to ensure the ballet company receive a warm welcome to the city once again. Eurostar and LNER have stepped in to arrange the company’s travel from France to York for the fundraising performance. While hotels within Hospitality Association York have kindly collaborated to offer 24 rooms for the company to rest their heads during their stay.

This includes The Grand, Middletons, No.1 by Guest House, Elmbank, York Pavilion, Marriott, Queens Hotel, Hampton by Hilton, Malmaison, Hilton York, Middlethorpe, and Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel who have all generously offered their hospitality. The dancers will also be treated to a special tour of York Minster and an evening river cruise provided by City Cruises as part of their visit.

Limited tickets now remain for the gala performance at York Theatre Royal on 30 March - directed by Ivan Kozlov, the evening will be an unmissable night of dance including excerpts from ballets Tribute to Peace, La Bayadere and Les Sylphides.

Kristina Kadasheyvych - credit Kyiv City Ballet

Whist the gala performance is almost sold out, there are still opportunities to support for those who are unable to make it via Crowdfunder donations. The funds raised will help to cover all the costs involved in the visit and ensure that the company are able to continue to spread the vital message of hope through their inspirational work.

Michael Slavin, Interim Chief Executive of York Theatre Royal, said:
"We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the city when Kyiv City Ballet made their visit to York last year and we are thrilled to be able to build on this ongoing partnership by inviting them back once again.

"They are an immensely talented group of artists and we are delighted to share our stage with them once more. A huge thank you to all the businesses across York who have come together to help us celebrate and share the rich and amazing culture of the city and to all our audience members and donors who have made this event happen."

Ekaterina Kozlova, Associate Director of Kyiv City Ballet, said:
“Our visit to York last year was so special and we are so happy to be returning once again. We can’t wait to experience more of what the beautiful city of York has to offer, to meet people in the local community and share our work with audiences.”