The Grand Kyiv Ballet was founded in 2014 under the direction of Artistic Director and Principal dancer Oleksandr Stoianov. The company’s first and very successful tour included appearing in 35 theaters throughout France. Since that time, they have appeared in the United States, China, Spain, Holland, Poland, and many other countries with a classical repertoire that includes Forest Song, Don Quixote, Giselle, Snow White, Carmen Suite, and more. The company’s modern ballets include Children of the Night by Oleksandr Abdukarimov and Touch of Illusion.
At 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Grand Kyiv Ballet will present the iconic French ballet GISELLE at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. Performed to music by Adolf Adam, and choreography by Marius Petipa, Jules Perrot, and Jean Coralli, this production of Giselle will feature Grand Kyiv Principal dancers Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr Stoianov, both hailing from the National Opera of Ukraine. Tickets are on sale now at https://ebellofla.org/theatre/.
Grand Kyiv Ballet in Act One of Giselle – Photo courtesy of the company.
Kukhar had been working in Berlin and Stoianov in France when news arrived about the war in Ukraine making it impossible for them to return to their home in Ukraine. They did manage to evacuate their two children and the reunited family now resides in Seattle, Washington while continuing to preserve the Kyiv ballet’s treasured talent and culture.
Grand Kyiv Ballet in Act Two of “Giselle” – Photo courtesy of the company.
Giselle is a two act ballet that has withstood the test of time since it was first performed by the Ballet du Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique at the Salle Le Peletier in Paris on 28 June 1841, with Italian ballerina Carlotta Grisi as Giselle. The work has been performed by all the major ballet companies around the world with the title role of Giselle being performed by a host of prima ballerinas from each country.
Grand Kyiv Ballet in “Giselle” – Photo courtesy of the company.
“In a commitment to cultural preservation, Grand Kyiv Ballet is proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds from this event will be directed towards the renovation efforts of the Kyiv State Choreographic College. By attending the performance, audiences not only bear witness to a captivating ballet but also contribute to the preservation and enhancement of this esteemed institution which has nurtured generations of exceptionally talented dancers.” – Grand Kyiv Ballet press release.
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Performance Details:
Date: April 14th
Time: 7 p.m.
Venue: Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.
Tickets: $45 – $89. To purchase tickets, please click HERE.
For more information about Grand Kyiv Ballet, please visit their website.
For more information about the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, please visit their website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Grand Kyiv Ballet in Act One of Giselle – Photo courtesy of the company.
