a star of the kyiv Opera dances to pay tribute to his loved ones who died during the war

On the floor of the Kiev National Opera, 38-year-old prima ballerina Olga Kifyak warms up with a partner. Olga dances, despite the war: “It’s a relief to be able to dance. Work saved me. Dancing helps me to try to move forward. Each of my performances, I dedicate it to them.” She can’t hold back her tears. Today, a very emotional representation awaits him. Like so many others, the war tore his loved ones away from him. His father suffered a cardiac arrest while trying to leave the capital at the start of the Russian invasion. And then he had his soldier brother. “My older brother was killed on the front, near Bakhmout. He left behind his wife and a six-year-old boy,” says the prima ballerina.

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The Russians are making slow progress in Bakhmout as the Ukrainian counter-offensive seems postponed until the summer. This trench warfare causes thousands of deaths. To resist, a few hundred kilometers away, in kyiv, despite the war, Ukrainians continue to go to the opera. That evening, Olga will pay homage through dance to these Ukrainian heroes – including her brother.

A moved audience

In the hall, the public rushes. Once again, the Shevchenko opera sold out. Only anti-aircraft alerts can interrupt performances. If they sound, the public will have to take shelter in the basement. However, that will not be the case that evening. Olga dances and behind her, the photos of civilians who have become soldiers who died to defend their country parade on a giant screen. The audience is moved to tears. The whole room rises in homage to the soldiers. After her performance, Olga is as relieved as she is moved.

“It was an incredible moment because it comes from their hearts. Every Ukrainian feels the pain of losing their loved ones.”

Olga Kifyak, prima ballerina

at franceinfo

In the room, the show continues, two hours during the public will be able to forget the war a little. Culture, to support the country and to help heal sadness.