Ukranian ballerina Olesya Skarikova talks to the Advertiser
AFTER fleeing the war in Ukraine earlier this year, ballet dancer Olesya Skarikova will be performing in productions of Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake in Ayr next month.
The shows will be held in The Gaiety, with Sleeping Beauty being shown on October 10 and Swan Lake on October 11.
Here, Olesya talks to reporter
Emma Reilly about the experiences and challenges she’s faced over the last six months.
What makes you jump out of your bed every morning?
Hopefulness that only good things await me in the new day. Well, and a daily morning class of classical dance in the theatre.
What is your favourite role to dance to currently?
At the moment, my favourite part is Swanilda from the ballet Coppelia. In addition to the fact that I am very impressed by her mischief, lightness, spontaneity, penchant for harmless adventures, this is also a significant role for me – my first big leading role that I ever danced.
What is your favourite ballet?
My favourite ballet is Romeo and Juliet, directed by Kenneth Macmillan. It combines acting and dance technique at the highest level.
If you could take anyone to dinner, who would you take?
My parents, who still remain in our hometown of Kharkiv. I really want to hug them!
What’s your life motto?
For the last six months there has only been one: “The darkest hour is always before dawn.”
How have you been dealing with leaving your home in Ukraine?
Lithuania very warmly received me and then I moved to Slovakia, where I was preparing for this tour. My parents are still at home in Kharkov. I am very worried about them. Now my mornings begin with a call or message to them and watching the latest news about Ukraine and Kharkiv, in particular. But they, like me and like all Ukrainians, believe in the speedy and unquestioning victory for our country.