Life, theater, and dancing

On Dec. 9, 2009, the Ukraine Palace will host a performance by an unusual troupe from Sevastopol — the Dancing Theater directed by Vadim Elizarov. This is the only choreographic theater in the world. It relies on the style of ballet dancing and has become the calling card of Sevastopol, the Crimea, and all of Ukraine. Its repertoire consists of colorful shows that are made spectacular and unforgettable by the changing rhythms and costumes.

All the performances by Sevastopol artists are about love; they address the issue of man-woman relations. Their repertoire includes very different productions, such as Notre Dame de Paris based on the popular musical by the French composer Richardo Cocciante and the lyrical Fouette. Carmen with the immortal music by Bizet and Shchedrin will take the public to the distant Spain, a world of fiery passions and unheard-of romantic intrigues. The play Waltz about Waltz will bring unfading melodies, while in The Argentine Tango two flames are raging, separated by ice. The production of Shaw’s Pygmalion leaves the bare bones of the original and puts flesh on them in the form of a variety of dances: hip hop, waltz, rumba, and rock’n’roll.

“Dancing is an absolutely sensitive kind of art,” says Elizarov. “Through dancing man understands the world around and learns to interact with it. Dancing restores the soul and physical health and removes stress. Dancing lets one tell others about his or her experiences and feelings.

“What enchants the public in the performances of the Sevastopol Dancing Theater are the consummate skill of the actors, beautiful costumes, and special effects. The productions are an excellent example of the caliber and artistic capacity of the troupe.

“The theater operates a permanent school of dancing. Anyone can come and master the technique of ballroom dancing in the European and Latin American programs or learn to dance in such popular styles as hip hop, street dance, salsa, and mambo.”