"Don Quixote" Charity Ballet by the Ukranian National Opera
An exceptional event for all dance lovers: the Ukrainian National Opera Ballet presents "Don Quixote" in the pure tradition of classical ballet, in support of 'Rebuilding Ukraine'.
After a magnificent performance in Paris, the National Ballet of Ukraine is coming to Cannes to perform a benefit ballet. All profits from this charity performance will be donated to the United24 platform's "Rebuilding Ukraine" program and to the MASHA foundation to help children affected by war.
The city of Cannes and the Palais des Festivals de Cannes are supporting the Chère Ukraine charity to promote Ukrainian artists and raise funds to support victims of the conflict. All proceeds from the show will be donated to the United24 platform's "Rebuilding Ukraine" program, and to the MASHA foundation to help children affected by the war.
Channeling the soul of Spain in "Don Quixote"
Choreographer Marius Petipa's "Don Quixote" is one of the world's most famous choreographic works, and remains one of the most popular with audiences. Having travelled extensively throughout Spain, Marseille-born Marius Petipa immersed himself in the spirit and traditions of Spanish folk dance. He succeeded in embodying all its richness and originality on stage together with the music of Léon Minkus, bringing the unmistakable Spanish soul to life in the dancers.
In 1988, a new version of the ballet was choreographed by Viktor Lytvynov for the Ukrainian National Opera. He carefully preserved and restored Petipa's original work, producing a dynamic, lively version that entertains audiences with the exceptional abilities Ukrainian ballet dancers, known to be amongst the best in the world.
The Ukrainian National Opera
Founded in 1867, the Ukrainian National Opera, based in Kiev, the country's capital, has a prestigious history. With a repertoire of over 60 ballets and classical operas, it is considered one of the finest opera houses in Europe.
Internationally renowned for the technical and artistic quality of its productions, thanks to the exceptional training imparted to its artists and technicians in the pure tradition of classical ballet, the company has been touring to great acclaim for over 70 years.
With its perfect mastery of dance technique, their production of "Don Quixote" is an unforgettable spectacle for lovers of classical ballet.
For the performances on 27 & 28 July, audiences will be treated to see the following first dancers:
Stanislav Olshansky, Primo dancer with the Ukrainian National Opera and Miami City Ballet. His powerful technique and charisma on the world's greatest stages make him one of Ukraine's finest dancers.
Natalia Matsak, is a star in her own right. The gifted dancer was awarded the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine, the most coveted title for any Ukrainian artist. Her brilliant career and exceptional technique have been hailed by critics and audiences the world over.
An exceptional evening in support of Ukraine
Proceeds from the performances at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes will go to support victims of the current conflict in Ukraine.
In September of last year, the storied Ballet company lost one of their principal dancers, Oleksandr Shapoval, after he had joined the army to fight Russia and was killed during a bombing attack in Kiev. He was 47 years old.
In a statement made for the event, the organisers of Chère Ukraine thanked the city of Cannes for their support and called on local residents for donations:
"We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the French public for the invaluable support they have given Ukrainians during the war. Your solidarity is important to us. We invite you to make a donation to help Ukrainians affected by the war, whether or not you attend our show. Every contribution helps to alleviate suffering and bring Ukraine closer to peace!" -Nelia Demianyk, President -Valerij Vysotskii, Founder of the association
You can support the project's charitable objectives by making a donation via Helloasso, PayPal or by bank transfer to the account of the association Chère Ukraine chereukraine.org