Listen to Christine’s report here.

Ukraine will be front and centre at a one-night-only performance of The Nutcracker staged by the Toronto International Ballet Theatre.

Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic is being choreographed by a Ukrainian Artistic Director and features two principal dancers from Ukraine.

Artistic Tatiana Stepanova says this story takes us back to our childhood.

“This is very special because we want to highlight our Ukrainian heritage and showcase Ukrainian talent, ” says Tatiana. “We’re doing our best to use out platform to help Ukrainians in any way we can.”

Originally from Odessa Ukraine, Tatiana choreographed this  performance that brings together young dancers from around the globe. She speaks with family back home everyday and while the war is a constant worry, she says the arts bring light during these dark times.

Dancer Vladyslav Romashchenko – who’s been in Canada since September – has been praised as a stand out artist with the National Opera of Ukraine. He’s part of a group of dancers to raise close to $1 Million for Ukrainian humanitarian relief. He and his wife, also a professional Ukrainian dancer, are among the 80 dancers to perform the Nutcracker in Toronto.

It’s difficult but now I understand for example, today it’s more difficult to be in Ukraine,” says Vladyslav.

“I want to say thank you to all Canadian people for their help and support and I want to give them a fairy tale.”

Tatiana says the goal is to bring something beautiful to the stage and inspire kids with classical ballet.

The performance goes December 17th at Toronto’s Meridian Hall.

For more, visit  Toronto International Ballet Theatre