Defiance on the Stage: Kharkiv Ballet Continues Performance Amidst War
The world often measures the cost of war in geopolitical shifts and casualty figures. But in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the cost is also measured in shattered glass, disrupted routines, and the silencing of cultural life. Yet, even as Russia’s invasion continues, the Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, its dancers continuing to rehearse and perform, offering a poignant reminder of beauty and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship. The company’s story, one of adaptation and unwavering dedication to their art, speaks to the enduring human spirit and the vital role of culture in times of conflict.
Just hours before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre hosted a packed house for a performance of the French ballet ‘Giselle’. That performance, as it turned out, would be the last held in the theatre’s main venue for an indefinite period. The city of Kharkiv quickly became a focal point of the conflict, enduring intense shelling and attempted occupation by Russian forces. Despite the immense danger, Kharkiv remained under Ukrainian control, but life within the city was irrevocably altered. The theatre, recognizing the escalating threat, made the demanding decision to move rehearsals and performances underground, seeking shelter from the constant risk of missile and drone strikes.
The initial weeks of the war were particularly harrowing. As Ihor Touluzov, the theatre’s director, explained to RTÉ News, “The first months were difficult. The city was under constant shelling.” Despite the danger, the company didn’t simply cease performing. Instead, they took their art directly to the people, staging ballet performances in Kharkiv’s metro stations. These performances weren’t about artistic grandeur; they were about providing a moment of respite, a brief escape from the horrors unfolding above ground. Touluzov described these early performances as a way to “cheer people up.”
Adapting to a New Reality
The theatre itself sustained significant damage in the early stages of the war, with over 2,000 square meters of glass shattered by explosions. Despite the physical damage, the spirit of the company remained unbroken. Rehearsals and performances continued in the makeshift underground space, a testament to the dancers’ commitment. The shift wasn’t easy. The company has adapted to a significantly reduced size, now comprising approximately 35 regular dancers, supported by a chamber orchestra of local musicians. Prior to the invasion, the theatre boasted a company of over 90 ballerinas and danseurs. Many former colleagues are now performing with touring ballet groups across Europe, seeking opportunities to continue their careers while the situation in Kharkiv remains unstable.
Life within the theatre’s underground rehearsal rooms is a study in contrasts. While the dancers strive for grace and artistry, they do so amidst the realities of wartime. Electric heaters provide a meager defense against the cold, particularly during the harsh Ukrainian winters, which have been exacerbated by Russian attacks targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. Daily Russian attacks have caused widespread power and heating outages throughout the city and surrounding region, adding another layer of difficulty to the dancers’ already challenging circumstances. Yet, they persevere, rehearsing six days a week, maintaining a grueling schedule that demands peak physical fitness.
A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
The performances aren’t just for the dancers themselves; they are a vital lifeline for the community. Antonina Radievskaya, a lead soloist with the ballet company, eloquently expressed the importance of their perform: “It’s very crucial to keep performing because people need a chance for a miracle, a fairytale.” She noted that Ukrainian soldiers frequently attend their performances, finding a temporary escape from the horrors of war. “It can deliver them a chance to be distracted from the horror that is happening in our country,” Radievskaya said. The ballet offers a moment of normalcy, a reminder of the beauty that still exists even in the darkest of times.
Olga Sharikova, another ballerina with the company, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the collective pride and determination of the dancers. “We demonstrate with our spirit that no matter what, we will continue doing our job for the audience, for the city, generally for the arts,” she stated. The dancers harbor a shared hope for a peaceful future, a time when they can return to performing on the theatre’s main stage. The current situation, while, remains precarious. As the dancers emerged from a five-hour rehearsal, an air raid siren sounded, a stark reminder of the ever-present threat. This has become a daily occurrence, a constant backdrop to their artistic endeavors.
The Future of Kharkiv’s Ballet
The Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre’s story is a microcosm of Ukraine’s broader struggle for survival. It’s a story of resilience, adaptation, and the unwavering commitment to preserving cultural heritage in the face of adversity. The company’s decision to continue performing, despite the immense challenges, is a powerful statement about the importance of art as a source of hope and healing. The ongoing conflict has undoubtedly taken a toll, both on the theatre’s infrastructure and on the lives of its performers. However, the dedication of the dancers and the support of the community suggest that the ballet will endure, continuing to offer moments of beauty and inspiration to those who need it most.
The theatre is currently rehearsing for a performance of ‘Giselle’ – the very same ballet they were performing on the night Russia launched its full-scale invasion. This return to the familiar is symbolic, representing a commitment to continuity and a refusal to be defeated by the circumstances. The performance is scheduled to accept place as soon as conditions allow, offering a powerful message of hope and resilience to the people of Kharkiv and beyond.
As of February 25, 2026, the situation in Kharkiv remains volatile, with ongoing Russian attacks and a continued threat to civilian infrastructure. The theatre continues to operate under challenging conditions, relying on the dedication of its performers and the support of the local community. Updates on performances and the theatre’s activities can be found on local Ukrainian news outlets and social media channels. The international community continues to provide aid and support to Ukraine, but the long-term future of the country, and its cultural institutions, remains uncertain.
The story of the Kharkiv ballet is a testament to the power of art to transcend even the most difficult circumstances. It is a reminder that even in the midst of war, beauty, hope, and the human spirit can endure.
What happens next? The Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre will continue to rehearse and perform as conditions allow, offering a vital source of hope and resilience to the community. The company’s future depends on the evolving security situation in Ukraine and the continued support of both local and international organizations.
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