Ukrainian Ballet Gala to be performed at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London
British-Ukrainian theatre director Olga Danylyuk and UK-based Ukrainian dancer and producer Ivan Putrov are bringing a one-off spectacular Ukrainian ballet gala to Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on September 7, 2021.
The gala will be a unique presentation of Ukrainian performance art on the UK stage and will showcase the world-renowned traditions and innovation of the modern Ukrainian ballet school.
The gala will mark the debut of the Ukrainian National Ballet on a British theatre stage. Some of the best Ukrainian and British dancers will come together for a celebration of Ukrainian and British ballet traditions.
The ballet gala coincides with Ukraine’s 30th Independence Anniversary and will underline Ukraine’s cultural distinctiveness and vibrant artistic energy.
During these 30 years, Ukraine has been on a challenging journey to re-connect with its history and re-establish its voice as an independent country. The performance aims to create awareness of Ukraine’s progress over the past three decades and demonstrate its outstanding talent in the area of ballet.
Ukrainian principal dancers currently performing around the world with American Ballet Theatre, Wiener Staatsballett, Lithuanian National Ballet and Toulouse Ballet du Capitole will join stars from The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet in a programme which spans the classics including The Dying Swan, Don Quixote, Diana and Acteon, Le Corsaire, Les Sylphides, Grand Pas Classique and to System A/I, a contemporary ballet world premiere from choreographer Ludovic Ondiviela and dramaturg Olga Danylyuk.
Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom said:
‘We are proud to welcome Ukraine’s top artistic talent to the UK, where they will showcase the best of Ukrainian dance tradition through a unique ballet
performance. Notably, the gala coincides with the anniversary of Ukraine’s 30 years of independence and will be a memorable celebration of Ukrainian culture. I look forward to attending the gala and celebrating highly-acclaimed Ukrainian performance art together with British audiences in September.’
Dr Olga Danylyuk (PhD, RCSSD, University of London), Director of I-Do Lab and Dramaturg for System A/I said:
‘This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Ukraine’s cultural tradition and distinctiveness through ballet. We are bringing top Ukrainian dancers to a British stage who are collectively making a tremendous impact by presenting Ukrainian art and culture through unforgettable performance. As a dramaturg and an Ukrainian I could not be more proud of this performance that exemplifies so many of Ukraine’s characteristics and is a perfect way to mark Ukraine’s 30th anniversary of independence.’
Former Royal Ballet Principal Ivan Putrov (Producer of acclaimed Men in Motion and Against the Stream) said:
‘Ukraine‘s long history of producing great dancers is alive and flourishing. I am thrilled to be able to introduce them to British audiences alongside some of our finest London-based dancers in this tremendously exciting gala celebrating the tradition and innovation of Ukrainian culture.’
Address: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN
Performance Date: 7 September 2021 (7pm)
Tickets: £20-£95
Booking: https://www.sadlerswells.com
Telephone: 020 7863 8000
Ukrainian Ballet Gala is a collaboration between Putrov Productions and I-Do Lab. The evening is generously sponsored by FERREXPO PLC and ICU.
Ivan Putrov – Principal Dancer and Producer
Ivan Putrov was born in Kyiv, Ukraine to a ballet family. He trained at The Kyiv State Choreographic Institute and at The Royal Ballet School. Upon graduation Sir Anthony Dowell invited him to join the company where he became a principal after three seasons. Ivan’s awards include Premier Prix at the Prix de Lausanne, Gold medal at the Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition, Gold Medal at the Nijinsky Festival, Critics Circle National Dance Award and the Medal for Work and Achievement from the President of Ukraine. In 2009 Ivan was made an Honorary Artist of Ukraine.
More about Ivan Putrov can be found on his website.
Dr Olga Danylyuk (PhD, RCSSD, University of London, MA, Central Saint Martins, Director of I-DO Lab - Theatre Director and Producer
Olga Danylyuk started her theatre career on Broadway NY as an assistant to the renowned designer Ann Hould-Ward upon graduation from Lviv Art Academy. Since then she has embarked on an international career as theatre designer and director with the range of performance forms including musicals, opera, ballet, physical theatre and drama. Her experience in theatre includes working with La MaMa Theatre and Joyce Soho in New York, Camden People Theatre and Laban Contemporary Dance School in London, Maryanski Theatre and Theatre of Comedy and Drama in Moscow among others.
Olga completed her PhD using PaR methodology at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. In her research of mediatised war she explored the inter-determining relationship between art and politics.
In 2016-2017 Olga also served as an adviser to the Minister of Culture of Ukraine.
More about Olga Danylyuk can be found on her website.