On Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m., Grand Kyiv Ballet’s production of “Giselle” will take center stage at Atlanta Symphony Hall.
“Giselle” tells the tragic story of Giselle and the Wilis, young unmarried girls who are betrayed and murdered by their lovers, leading them to seek retribution when they transform into vengeful spirits.
The performance is about resilience and inspiration, which is exemplified in the production’s lead dancers, Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr Stoianov, both of whom hail from the National Opera of Ukraine.
The pair of dancers, who currently reside in Seattle, Washington due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, had been rehearsing for “Giselle” amidst the turmoil occurring in their home country.
Originally planning to return home to Kyiv, Kukhar and Stoianov’s lives were upended when the war began.
As a result, the couple worked tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation of their children from Ukraine..
As part of its commitment to cultural preservation, Grand Kyiv Ballet announced that a portion of the proceeds from the show will go towards supporting the renovation efforts of the Kyiv State Choreographic College, an esteemed educational institution that has taught generations of talented dancers.
Tickets for “Giselle” are available at http://www.aso.org, http://www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (404)733-4800. Prices range from $39 to $124, plus fees.