On August 16 at 15:00, a unique concert "Stars of Ukrainian Ballet" will take place on the stage of the National Opera of Ukraine (Volodymyrska St, 50), where leading soloists of the theater will perform the brightest numbers from classical ballets — from the hopak to the grand pas from "Don Quixote". This two-part program lasts about two hours (until 17:00) and is perfect for those who want to experience the magic of the ballet stage without a complex plot, as here you will see only the best episodes performed to Italian, French, and Ukrainian music with live orchestral sound under the direction of conductors Viktor Oliynyk and Serhiy Holubnychy [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu].
About the Event
This is a grand gala concert in two parts that opens the 158th theater season and showcases the highest level of Ukrainian ballet art [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. The program includes classical pas de deux, adagio, and grand pas from the ballets "Sylphide", "Forest Song", "Corsair", "The Taming of the Shrew", "Satanilla", and "Don Quixote", performed by soloists under the direction of the artistic director of the ballet Nobuhiro Terada, People's Artist of Ukraine [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. The concert is hosted by director Denys Odintsov, and the solo in the orchestra is performed by violinist Yana Stadnyk, adding special musical depth to the event [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu].
Plot and Mood
Although this is not a full ballet performance, but a concert program, each number has its own emotional story: from the stormy Ukrainian hopak to the lyrical "Remembrance" by T. Shimazaki and the passionate pas de deux from "Satanilla" [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. The mood of the concert is festive, energetic, and at the same time touching, as you will see how the artists convey the character of their characters only through dance and music. Key scenes include:
- Hopak performed by the ballet artists of the National Opera;
- Pas de deux from "Sylphide" with Alexandra Panchenko and Daniil Pashchuk;
- Grand pas from "Don Quixote" in an epic performance by five soloists and ballet artists [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu].
Production
The artistic director of the ballet is Nobuhiro Terada, People's Artist of Ukraine, who ensures the high professionalism of each production [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. Conductors Viktor Oliynyk (Honored Artist of Ukraine) and Serhiy Holubnychy enhance the drama of the dance with the live orchestra, while Yana Stadnyk's solo on the violin adds sophistication to the concert [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. The visual style is classical, with an emphasis on the purity of lines, precision of technique, and emotional sincerity of the performers, making the program accessible even for ballet newcomers.
How to Get There, Duration, and Intermissions
The theater is located in the center of Kyiv at Volodymyrska St, 50, the nearest metro station is "Teatralna" (5 minutes on foot), and there are also tram and bus stops nearby [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. The concert runs from 15:00 to 17:00, so about two hours, and has one intermission between the first and second parts, where you can relax, discuss the numbers, or buy souvenirs in the foyer [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu].
Prices and Who It's For
Tickets for similar gala concerts at the National Opera usually start from 300–400 hryvnias for the lower rows and up to 800–1000 hryvnias for the parterre, although the exact prices for this particular show should be checked on the official ticket website [widget.mticket.com.ua/uk/widget354site1003/widget/event/100186513]. This is an ideal event for a date (atmospheric and romantic), for a family with children who already know ballet, or for friends who want to enjoy the classics together without the risk of it being "boring" — here are only the brightest moments.
Tips for the Audience
Arrive at the theater 20–30 minutes before the start to find your seat, familiarize yourself with the foyer, and not waste time during the intermission; the dress code is casual but elegant (for example, a dress or suit), although there are no strict rules [opera.com.ua/afisha/zirki-ukrayinskogo-baletu]. During the intermission, be sure to stroll through the foyer, where you can buy a program, a souvenir, or just discuss the numbers with other audience members — this is part of the theater culture.
Would you prefer the daytime show at 15:00 for a calm mood and the opportunity to go for coffee after the theater, or would you like the evening show with dinner afterward — what would you choose?
