The Grand Kyiv Ballet exemplifies the saying that great art is born of adversity.
The touring company has survived the devastation of war, and while Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in Ukraine, artistic director Oleksandr “Alex” Stoianov said he gives thanks for the opportunity to present “The Snow Queen” on Wednesday the night before our American holiday, at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
“It’s a difficult situation for Ukraine now,” Stoianov said. “But we have support from a lot of countries — from the world. We try to do our best with our art. We need to support our culture.”
Like “Frozen,” Disney’s popular animated film, “The Snow Queen” ballet is inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
Choreographed by Berlin-based Alexander Abdukarimov, the ballet tells the story of two friends, Kai and Gerda, whose lives are changed by the schemes of an evil queen.
When a sliver from a shattered enchanted mirror falls into one of Kai’s eyes and freezes his ability to feel emotions, the Snow Queen captures him and lures him to her winter palace.
Gerda sets out to find him, meeting friends, fairies and trolls along the way. In the end, her hot tears of love melt Kai’s frozen heart, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
“’The Snow Queen’ is very popular in Ukraine and in Europe,” Stoianov explained.
“We prepared for this world premiere for about one year. It’s a mix between classical and contemporary styles, and a story for all ages.”
Grand Kyiv Ballet co-founders Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr “Alex” Stoianov. They’re bringing their productions of “The Snow Queen” to San Diego on Nov. 26. (Grand Kyiv Ballet)
Stoianov and his wife, prima ballerina Katyrina Kukhar, are retired principal dancers of the National Opera of Ukraine and both hold the prestigious title of Honored Artist of Ukraine.
In Europe, they were ballet celebrities with a reputation for engaging chemistry, a technical command of classical repertoire and many sold-out shows.
Kukhar was a guest judge on the televised Ukrainian version of “Dancing with the Stars.” She also served as a frequent jury member at international ballet competitions and in 2018, she was awarded People’s Artist of Ukraine, the highest title given to performing artists.
On Feb. 24, 2022, Stoianov and Kukhar were performing “Giselle” in France when Russia started bombing Ukraine, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties.
Airports were closed, so riends and family had to transport the couple’s son and daughter by foot to the border in the midst of a mass exodus, where they were reunited after many agonizing hours.
“The moment we embraced at the border, it was precious,” Stoianov said in a somber voice.
“Before the war, we had plans, our home, our jobs, our friends and our perfect life. No one could believe that in the 21st century, a brutal war can happen. I realized that family is the most important thing. I felt that in my whole body.”
A scene from Grand Kyiv Ballet’s “The Snow Queen.” (Grand Kyiv Ballet)
Stoianov established the Grand Kyiv Ballet in Washington state, where he now resides with his family.
“We must start from zero in another country,” said Stoianov, who lost the family home in the Russian attack. “The ballet life is short and we need to do everything we can. We have a lot of hope and we are not lazy.”
The Grand Kyiv Ballet began as a small European company in 2014, and since the war, it has branched out.
Stoianov now produces multiple tours throughout the United States and Europe, arranging for Ukrainian ballet dancers to perform in the shows by helping with visas, transportation and lodging.
This month, the Grand Kyiv Ballet American tour will present classical standards, such as “Swan Lake,” “Snow White” and “Sleeping Beauty,” along with holiday-themed shows like “The Snow Queen” and “The Nutcracker” in more than a dozen states. A highlight in “The Nutcracker” is the Ukrainian Dance in authentic Ukrainian costumes during the second act.
The company now has an international cast of dancers, including 35 Ukrainian artists.
Though most Ukrainian dancers are schooled in the rigorous Vaganova (Soviet) method of ballet training, Stoianov emphasized that they have their own, unique flavor — “more energy, more soul.”
Kukhar continues to be one of the directors at Kyiv State Ballet College and in a few weeks she will fly back to Ukraine to prepare for performances with her students.
Grand Kyiv Ballet principal dancer Alisa Kuzmenko is Kukhar’s former student and a recent graduate.
“We have introduced an updated, Ukrainian classical dance program,” Kukhar said, “based on my international knowledge and the extensive experience of our teachers. Many of them have been teaching for more than 15 years and raised world-renowned ballet stars. Together, we created our unique interpretation of the teaching method, emphasizing various nuances and refining the technical elements. I am confident that this dance program will bear beautiful fruits in the future.”
Stoianov once posted on his Instagram account: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” His productions continue to preserve Ukrainian ballet arts as he and his family adjust to life in the United States.
Daughter Anastasia, age 10, recently completed ballet training and 16-year-old son Timur now has his driver’s license and loves playing soccer.
But Stoianov hopes to one day see his homeland again.
“I dream very much to return there and show my favorite places to my kids,” he said.
“We thank God we have this life because many lost their lives. For now, we build beautiful new memories, step by step.”
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents ‘The Snow Queen’
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown.
Tickets: $49.50-$171.55
Online: sandiegotheatres.org