Principal dancers from the Grand Kyiv Ballet, Oleksandr Stoianov and Kateryna Kukhar, had to leave Ukraine due to war. They were in different countries when they arranged for their nanny, daughter, and dog to leave Ukraine. The journey took three days due to closed airports and busy roads. Their son, who was skiing in Ukraine’s mountains, walked for eight hours to reach a safe place. The family now lives in Seattle.
The conflict has greatly affected the family, especially the children who are adjusting to a new life. Despite the challenges, Stoianov and Kukhar are determined to cope. They have received help from friends in the ballet community, including Vera Altunina, the artistic director at the International Ballet Academy in Washington state.
Stoianov, the founder of the Grand Kyiv Ballet, confirmed that the theatre’s operations have been affected. He highlighted the support within the ballet community. As part of their new life, they continue to perform. Kukhar mentioned that ballet provides a temporary distraction from their situation.