Former Royal Ballet stars and impresarios Ivan Putrov (Ukraine) and Alina Cojocaru (Romania) have announced Dance for Ukraine, a benefit gala at the London Coliseum on Saturday 19 March 2022 to raise funds for the Disaster Emergency Committee, Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Produced by the dance charity Inspiration in Motion, the evening features artists from The Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and English National Ballet including Marianela Nuñez (Argentina), Mathieu Ganio (France), Federico Bonelli (Italy), Francesco Gabriele Frola (Italy), Fumi Kaneko (Japan), Isaac Hernández (Mexico), Alina Cojocaru (Romania), Natalia Osipova (Russia), Reece Clarke (UK), Katja Khaniukova (Ukraine), Emma Hawes (USA) and more to be announced.
All the participating dancers have donated their services. The English National Opera has waived its rental fee for the London Coliseum. The ENO Orchestra, Chorus and friends have volunteered to support the evening musically.
Putrov said, "the gala is about taking a stand for human values. Our unity strengthens the message. Everyone's participation will help someone just like them who found themselves in dire circumstances due to violence of war. Dance, music and art move the world, not violence. Since we, the artists, possess the gift—we must use it."
Cojocaru added, "mere words can offer little in the face of such suffering and the loss of innocent human lives. Art, love and humanity have the power to inspire and even to heal. In this spirit we will unite on the 19th to dance and offer what help we can."