Viktor Ishchuk: "Every day of my life has revolved around 'Swan Lake'".
The Kyiv Ballet brings the classical dance piece to the Tivoli Theatre with about thirty dancers
BarcelonaThe Ukrainian Viktor Ishchuk (1983) says that practically all his memories, including those from childhood, are linked to classical dance. For years, Ishchuk was a soloist with the National Opera of Kyiv Ballet and, since 2011, has served as director of the Kyiv Ballet. "In 35 years, every day of my life has revolved around dance and, especially, around Swan Lake. It is the most famous work in the world of classical ballet, and it is inexhaustible," says the choreographer and dancer from the lobby of the Teatre Tívoli. It is Monday, August 17th in the afternoon, and the venue on Casp street has just reopened after the holiday break. Technicians and venue staff are preparing for the first show of the season, Swan Lake by the Kyiv Ballet, which will be performed from this Tuesday until August 30th.
The company is made up of 36 artists, some of whom are Ukrainian but others come from countries such as Cuba, the United States, Italy, and Japan. Among the soloists are Veranika Auchynnikava, Yevhen Svetlitsa, and Paulo de Jesús González. The latter is, according to Ishchuk, "a dancer with incredible talent and physical abilities" who has recently joined the Kyiv Ballet. The show is stopping in Barcelona for the fifth time – the first time they came was in 2022 – but on this occasion, the production arrives completely renewed compared to previous versions.
In addition, the Kyiv Ballet has incorporated new costumes, new sets, and new choreography. "In classical dance, technique is very defined and we maintain it that way. We have tried to marry innovation with the tradition of the discipline and, for this reason, the viewer will see the tutus and pointe shoes characteristic of the work. At the same time, however, some of the dancers' choreographies incorporate the flexibility more typical of women and vice versa, they adopt techniques from men," says Ishchuk, who adds that one of his wishes would be to be able to perform the work with live music. "It's a dream I have, because working with live music is always a very good experience," he emphasizes.
A company that travels the world
Given the impossibility of working in Ukraine due to the war, the Kyiv Ballet has established its headquarters in Alicante. "The situation is complicated. I would love to be able to work in my country, but right now that is not an option and, in fact, it is very difficult to make forecasts. We don't know how long the conflict will last," laments Ishchuk. For now, the company is mainly focused on being able to tour its shows around the world. During the past season, they performed over 200 shows in different countries and attracted more than 350,000 spectators. With the next show, The Nutcracker, they will tour Portugal, Italy, Mexico, and the United States before returning to the Catalan capital for Christmas. "Barcelona is on the level of New York, London, and Saint Petersburg as a center of culture – says the director–. It is very important for us to come here and be able to showcase our art".