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Grand Kyiv Ballet co-founders Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr \u201cAlex\u201d Stoianov. They\u2019re bringing their productions of \u201cThe Snow Queen\u201d to San Diego on Nov. 26. (Grand Kyiv Ballet)<\/p>\nThe Grand Kyiv Ballet exemplifies the saying that great art is born of adversity.<\/p>\n
The touring company has survived the devastation of war, and while Thanksgiving isn\u2019t celebrated in Ukraine, artistic director Oleksandr \u201cAlex\u201d Stoianov said he gives thanks for the opportunity to present \u201cThe Snow Queen\u201d on Wednesday the night before our American holiday, at the San Diego Civic Theatre.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a difficult situation for Ukraine now,\u201d Stoianov said. \u201cBut we have support from a lot of countries \u2014 from the world. We try to do our best with our art. We need to support our culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like \u201cFrozen,\u201d Disney\u2019s popular animated film, \u201cThe Snow Queen\u201d ballet is inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
When a sliver from a shattered enchanted mirror falls into one of Kai\u2019s eyes and freezes his ability to feel emotions, the Snow Queen captures him and lures him to her winter palace.<\/p>\n
Gerda sets out to find him, meeting friends, fairies and trolls along the way. In the end, her hot tears of love melt Kai\u2019s frozen heart, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2019The Snow Queen\u2019 is very popular in Ukraine and in Europe,\u201d Stoianov explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe prepared for this world premiere for about one year. It\u2019s a mix between classical and contemporary styles, and a story for all ages.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grand Kyiv Ballet co-founders Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr \u201cAlex\u201d Stoianov. They\u2019re bringing their productions of \u201cThe Snow Queen\u201d to San Diego on Nov. 26. (Grand Kyiv Ballet)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In Europe, they were ballet celebrities with a reputation for engaging chemistry, a technical command of classical repertoire and many sold-out shows.<\/p>\n
Kukhar was a guest judge on the televised Ukrainian version of \u201cDancing with the Stars.\u201d She also served as a frequent jury member at international ballet competitions and in 2018, she was awarded People\u2019s Artist of Ukraine, the highest title given to performing artists.<\/p>\n
On Feb. 24, 2022, Stoianov and Kukhar were performing \u201cGiselle\u201d in France when Russia started bombing Ukraine, resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties.<\/p>\n
Airports were closed, so riends and family had to transport the couple\u2019s son and daughter by foot to the border in the midst of a mass exodus, where they were reunited after many agonizing hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe moment we embraced at the border, it was precious,\u201d Stoianov said in a somber voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cBefore the war, we had plans, our home, our jobs, our friends and our perfect life. No one could believe that in the 21st\u00a0century, a brutal war can happen. I realized that family is the most important thing. I felt that in my whole body.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-dance-snowqueen2_176975.jpg\")
A scene from Grand Kyiv Ballet\u2019s \u201cThe Snow Queen.\u201d (Grand Kyiv Ballet)<\/p>\n
Stoianov established the Grand Kyiv Ballet in Washington state, where he now resides with his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must start from zero in another country,\u201d said Stoianov, who lost the family home in the Russian attack. \u201cThe ballet life is short and we need to do everything we can. We have a lot of hope and we are not lazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Grand Kyiv Ballet began as a small European company in 2014, and since the war, it has branched out.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This month, the Grand Kyiv Ballet American tour will present classical standards, such as \u201cSwan Lake,\u201d \u201cSnow White\u201d and \u201cSleeping Beauty,\u201d along with holiday-themed shows like \u201cThe Snow Queen\u201d and \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d in more than a dozen states. A highlight in \u201cThe Nutcracker\u201d is the Ukrainian Dance in authentic Ukrainian costumes during the second act.<\/p>\n
The company now has an international cast of dancers, including 35 Ukrainian artists.<\/p>\n
Though most Ukrainian dancers are schooled in the rigorous Vaganova (Soviet) method of ballet training, Stoianov emphasized that they have their own, unique flavor \u2014 \u201cmore energy, more soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Grand Kyiv Ballet principal dancer Alisa Kuzmenko is Kukhar\u2019s former student and a recent graduate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have introduced an updated, Ukrainian classical dance program,\u201d Kukhar said, \u201cbased 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stoianov once posted on his Instagram account: \u201cThe best way to predict the future is to create it.\u201d His productions continue to preserve Ukrainian ballet arts as he and his family adjust to life in the United States.<\/p>\n
Daughter Anastasia, age 10, recently completed ballet training and 16-year-old son Timur now has his driver\u2019s license and loves playing soccer.<\/p>\n
But Stoianov hopes to one day see his homeland again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI dream very much to return there and show my favorite places to my kids,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thank God we have this life because many lost their lives. For now, we build beautiful new memories, step by step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents \u2018The Snow Queen\u2019<\/p>\n