The National Ballet of Ukraine started its first U.S. tour in more 30 years and since the dissolution of the former Soviet Union.
The first show took place on 8 October 2024 in Washington D.C. The company, together with the traditional Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, will tour to other cities throughout the month.
Internationally acclaimed Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky publicised the tour and called for the support to the company in his Instagram post. Ratmansky, who is based in the United States, condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent war. He started his career as a professional dancer and choreographer with the National Ballet of Ukraine, where he later performed as a principal dancer.