Artistic projects are currently multiplying in Germany to allow dancers who had to flee their country because of the war in Ukraine to continue their activity.
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Hundreds of Ukrainian dancers – as well as Russians at odds with Moscow – have fled their country since the start of the war in Ukraine. Many took refuge in Germany, Hamburg or even Berlin. These refugee artists thus find the possibility of continuing to train, thanks to the support of compatriots who have been engaged for a longer time in German troupes.
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The Hamburg Ballet is one of those German opera houses that have welcomed Ukrainian dancers with open arms. That day, during ballet rehearsal to the sound of a Petit Requiem for a polka by Polish composer Henryk Górecki, six dancers are on stage. They are joined by three young girls. The dancers are German or Ukrainian, brought together as part of a project launched by the Hamburg Ballet.
This show was born in less than ten days. The highlight of the evening is a pas de deux, performed by the star dancer of the Hamburg troupe, Alexandre Riabko. Born in Ukraine, he has lived in Germany since 1996. “I’m so happy that we were able to organize this evening and that we could have with us some dancers who fled Ukraine. We work togetherunderlines the star dancer.
“It’s so moving to be on stage with them. Some fled in very trying conditions.”
Alexandre Riabko, star dancerat franceinfo
This is not the only such initiative in Germany. The Berlin Opera Ballet also hosts Ukrainian dancers. The ballet’s prima ballerina, Iana Salenko, acted as intermediary. From the first days of the war, she received requests for support from colleagues who remained in Ukraine. Having arrived in Germany in the meantime, these artists can now train with the troupe of the Berlin Opera Ballet. Five have been hired. A dancer has joined the Düsseldorf troupe. All hope one day to return to their country and dance again, in the theaters and operas that will not have been destroyed by the Russian bombs.
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