The Infinity Tour
On Friday night at Shaftesbury Arts Centre we came to understand what the phrase, ‘The Infinity Tour’ means and how you can keep a ballet company performing at the highest level when your wardrobe is a suitcase.
The audience gathered in the Arts Centre Foyer, decorated by Ukrainian guests and English volunteers.
Inspired by the evening ahead Johnny Bull, the artist in residence for the week, takes a classical position with Stas, our young Ukrainian set decorator.
The evening began promptly and was interspersed with films, story telling and even dance.
The Infinity Tour show was publicised like this:
We will hear from Ivan and Katya, see their principal dancers in rehearsal and watch film excerpts of their performances.
There will be opportunity for questions and to understand the life of a dancer at this time.
That is exactly what the audience received but what they experienced was much more profound.
As one person said, ‘Can you imagine this evening ending and as the lights come up you are told, ‘You can’t go home! Your next two years will be starting life with what you have on your backs and in your pockets!’
Ivan Kozlov, the Founder and Director was able to see the humour in a situation that was not of his choosing. He brought his wit and excellent English to every question and answered with a humour that had the Art Centre laughing and applauding.
Katya, the Artistic Director of Kyiv City Ballet answered questions with candour and spoke clearly about what the last two years has meant to her and to other Ukrainians. Members of the audience were moved and inspired in equal part by what the company has achieved since the escalation of the war in 2022.
Olesia Tymchyshyn danced a short piece on an even shorter stage. To see her strength and poise so close was a rare privilege. It was a memorable moment for us all, made more meaningful by knowing a little of how hard maintaining that level of excellence is whilst facing the prospect of not returning home for some time.
Sara Jacson, a Trustee meets Ekaterina, ‘Katya’, Kozlova after the performance.
This was a chance to listen to and share the experience of The Infinity Tour with members of the Ballet.
The wonderful Stars of Kyiv City Ballet
Our grateful thanks to the volunteers of Shaftesbury Arts Centre, their manager Charlie Hamilton and especially to John, the sound and light technician who, was able to knit together the film clips, the talk and dance sequences superbly, even though, in truth we were not as prepared as the audience members believed.
Such is theatre!
Our thanks to the organisations who made the week possible .
All photos on this page copyright Randallphotos.
Used with the permission of Jamie Randall.
