Wheelchair-bound Ukrainian veteran stars in ballet performance in the Netherlands
Touring with the United Ukrainian Ballet Company, Andriy Siromakha captivated the audiences in The Hague, Netherlands, with his raw and defiant performance.Hailing from Bila Tserkva, just south of Kyiv, 23-year-old Siromakha lost his arm and leg while defending Ukraine against the Russian invasion in 2022. Having to perform in a wheelchair, he was the star of three incredible shows in the Dutch city.
Ran by the United Ukrainian Ballet Company, the ballet featuring Siromakha became a significant cultural event in The Hague. The performances took place on Aug. 7, Aug. 25, and Sept. 14 at the Korzo theater, refocusing world attention on the heroism and sacrifice of Ukrainian soldiers.
The "INDEPENDENT24" program included two acts of contemporary ballet: the first act, "Project Emotions" by Dmytro Borodai, explores the depths of human emotion through expressive and innovative dance, while the second act, "De/Het/Één" by Richel Wieles, blends various cultural influences and styles to create a unique theatrical experience.
Siromakha never stopped doing all he could to support his homeland, even after being horrifically injured in the war. He set up the Siromakha Foundation, which aids hundreds of Ukrainians by supporting wounded veterans, children, and helping preserve Ukraine’s natural environment.
The veteran does not shy away from illustrating the cataclysmic challenge Ukraine and his fellow citizens now face. He regularly engages foreign media, partnering with Ukrainian singers, comedians, and TV hosts who care deeply about the country’s future. Among them are Kozak Siromakha, Artem Pivovarov, Akhtem Seitablaiev, Mykhailo Prysiazhniuk, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, and Felix Redka.
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