The ‘Defiant Dancer’ performs in London in support of Ukraine’s art and culture

London’s Covent Garden, in the heart of theatreland, hosted a unique art installation to support the world-class United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Giselle, specially created for the Company by acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky.

In Ukraine, statues and cultural monuments are entombed in sandbags to ensure their survival against the missiles and bombs of war. In London, the displaced United Ukrainian Ballet will take to the stage, showing that displaced Ukrainian performers cannot be defeated. 

The ‘Defiant Dancer’ stands tall, representing Ukrainian ballerinas and their powerful culture and ideas, among hundreds of sandbags to protect them.

Christine Shevchenko, a Ukrainian-American dancer from Odessa and a principal for the American Ballet company, premiered the performance, with other dancers taking her place throughout the day. All living symbols of strength, defiance and artistry. The film and visuals now feature in a social media campaign.

‘Defiant Dancer’ is in support of the United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Giselle at the London Coliseum (tickets from £10 available now here). All profits from ticket sales go to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and the United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation, which exists to protect, support and spread Ukrainian culture.

The ‘Defiant Dancer’ was created by Mother, in collaboration with Biscuit Filmworks.

Credits

Client: United Ukrainian Ballet Company
Creative: Mother
Strategy: Mother
Production: Biscuit Filmworks
Photographer: Diana Andrunyk
Production Company: Biscuit Filmworks x Revolver
Director: The Glue Society
BTS Director: Nathan Miller
Managing Director: Rupert Reynolds-Maclean
Executive Producer: Samantha Chitty
Producer: Yuri Galitsky
Production Designer: Mikey Hollywood
Location manager from Location22: Ryan Green
Stills Photographer: Diana Andrunyk
Editor @ the Quarry: Victoria Man
Stunts Coordinator: Justin Pearson
Sound Design: Sam Robson
Special thanks to:
Emily Buswell at Capital & Counties Properties PLC, SP Location Rental, RAMSS, Henrietta Hotel.