Tickets are now on sale for the first visit to Australia by The United Ukrainian Ballet. The company comprises 50 refugee Ukrainian soloists, ensemble members, creatives and technicians, who are unable to perform in their homeland and fled after the outbreak of the war. The award-winning dancers previously performed with companies across the besieged country, including celebrated houses such as The National Opera of Ukraine in Kyiv, the Kharkiv Opera Theatre and the Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Dancers of The United Ukrainian Ballet rehearsing with Igone de Jongh. © Mark Engelen

Under the artistic direction of Igone de Jonge, former prima ballerina of the Dutch National Ballet, the members of The United Ukrainian Ballet have been living and rehearsing together at the Dutch Centre for Ukrainian Dancers, which is housed in the old Royal Conservatoire building in The Hague. The space has been provided to the company through the generous support of local businesses and the Dutch government.

The centre provides the refugee dancers with housing, basic equipment and trainers to ensure they can continue to dance and develop their form. In doing so, the centre not only safeguards their...