In Ukraine, statues and cultural monuments are entombed in sandbags to ensure their survival against the missiles and bombs of war. In London, the displaced United Ukrainian Ballet will take to the stage, showing that displaced Ukrainian performers cannot be defeated.

Mother has created an art installation in London’s Covent Garden to support the world-class United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Giselle – which was specially created for the Company by acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. It’s a unique ballet danced on the top of a tower of sandbags. Defiant Dancer is a symbol of Ukraine’s enduring art and culture.

Christine Shevchenko, a Ukrainian-American dancer from Odessa and a principal for the American Ballet company, premiered the performance, with other dancers taking her place throughout the day. All living symbols of strength, defiance and artistry. The film, directed by The Glue Society, and visuals, shot by Diana Andrunyk, now feature in a social media campaign. 

The United Ukrainian Ballet’s production of Giselle is being performed at the London Coliseum. (Tickets from £10 available now at https://ukrainegiselle.com). All profits from ticket sales go to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and the United Ukrainian Ballet Foundation – which exists to protect, support and spread Ukrainian culture.

Credits:
Client: United Ukrainian Ballet Company 
Creative: Mother
Strategy: Mother

Production Company: Biscuit Filmworks x Revolver

Director: The Glue Society
BTS Director: Nathan Miller
Managing Director: Rupert Reynolds-Maclean
Executive Producer: Samantha Chitty
Producer: Yuri Galitsky
Production Designer: Mikey Hollywood 
Location manager from Location22: Ryan Green 

Stills Photographer: Diana Andrunyk 
Editor @ the Quarry: Victoria Man 
Stunts Coordinator: Justin Pearson 
Sound Design: Sam Robson 

Special thanks to:
Emily Buswell at Capital & Counties Properties PLC
SP Location Rental
RAMSS
Henrietta Hotel