United Ukrainian Ballet’s ‘Defiant Dancer’ Performs in London's Covent Garden

London’s Covent Garden, in the heart of theatreland, hosted a unique art installation to support the world-class United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Giselle - which was specially created for the Company by acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. 

In Ukraine, statues and cultural monuments are entombed in sandbags to ensure their survival against the missiles and bombs of war. In London, the displaced United Ukrainian Ballet will take to the stage, showing that displaced Ukrainian performers cannot be defeated. The ‘Defiant Dancer’ brings this to life. Ukrainian ballerinas, representing the powerful culture and ideas of their homeland will posed with pride among hundreds of protecting sandbags. 

Christine Shevchenko, a Ukrainian-American dancer from Odessa and a principal for the American Ballet company, premiered the performance, with other dancers taking her place throughout the day. All living symbols of strength, defiance and artistry. The film and visuals now feature in a social media campaign. 

‘Defiant Dancer’ is in support of the United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Giselle at the London Coliseum (tickets from £10 available now https://ukrainegiselle.com). All profits from ticket sales go to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and the United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation - which exists to protect, support and spread Ukrainian culture.

The ‘Defiant Dancer’ was created by Mother, in collaboration with Biscuit Filmworks.