PROJECT DETAILS
CHOREOGRAPHER: Pavlo Virsky, adapted by Roman Mykyta
COMPOSER: Traditional
PREMIERE: June 22, 2024 | Ballet Bouquet, Jim Rouse Theater, Columbia, MD | Performed by Misako Ballet Company with guest artists from The Ballet Theatre of Maryland
CAST: 6 Women, 3 Men
RUN TIME: 6 minutes
SYNOPSIS:
We Are from Ukraine is adapted from Pavlo Virsky’s iconic multi-regional welcome dance celebrating Ukrainian cultural identity, hospitality, and national pride. Colorful movement motifs from across Ukraine come together in a festive stage work that honors the richness and diversity of the country’s regional traditions.
Culminating in the ceremonial offering of bread and salt, the dance embodies goodwill, friendship, and welcome. This staging scales Virsky’s original work for a smaller ensemble while preserving its celebratory spirit, dignified gesture, and powerful sense of Ukrainian unity.
PAVLO VIRSKY
Pavlo Virsky’s work established a powerful model for Ukrainian folk-stage dance, uniting regional traditions with theatrical scale, clarity, and national spirit.
BACKGROUND & INSPIRATION
BREAD AND SALT
The ceremonial offering of bread and salt is a treasured Ukrainian symbol of hospitality, goodwill, friendship, and respect for honored guests.
A SMALLER ENSEMBLE
This adaptation scales the iconic work for a smaller ensemble while preserving its multi-regional imagery, celebratory spirit, and sense of Ukrainian cultural unity.