Help Ukrainian Dancers Perform 'LYULI' for Aid

My name is Rita Lira, and I'm a dancer and performer. Due to the war in Ukraine, I had to leave my home country and now reside in France. Despite the distance, it's incredibly important to me to stay connected with my friends in Ukraine and to support the Ukrainian dance community.

Choreographers of this project Anastasia Kharchenko and Yekatierina Bysheva continue to live and work in Ukraine, firmly choosing not to leave the country. They have incredible courage in difficult circumstances to support the local dance community and the spirit of people in Ukraine through their art. Due to the war, it is difficult to find funding inside the country for showing a performance. Therefore, I am turning to the European Dance Community and all other concerned people. Anastasia and Yekaterina want to showcase their performance 'LYULI' in Kyiv this July. An important goal of the performance is to gather funds to help the country. All proceeds from the show will be donated to Ukrainian volunteer organizations.

The concept of the performance emerges from the understanding of being ready to express the experienced war through their bodies. Choosing the path of "rule-free" creativity, the dancers allowed themselves to experiment and evolve, creating the show backward. This process enabled them to construct their mysterious world.

"We began collecting senses that resonate with us and assembling them into a mosaic. Throughout the entire preparation period, we always kept in mind the phrase that 'there are no rules,' so we are staging the show backward. Constant changes are a core part of our process leading us to find the most relevant and accurate solution. This gives a sense of freedom, which is important"

"We draw great inspiration from nature and the diversity of the surrounding world, where polar things happen simultaneously. Also, from how life weaves its patterns."

In this performance, the choreographers utilize a skeletal structure resembling tree branches, allowing them to suspend in the air like butterfly cocoons. This element creates not only visually striking images but also symbolizes transformation and change, akin to the life cycle of a butterfly.

The life cycle of a butterfly, embedded at the core of "LYULI," serves as an endless source of meaning and symbolism. From the larval stage, where the insect emerges from an egg and begins to crawl for the first time, to the pupal phase where the caterpillar's body dissolves to give birth to a new existence in the form of a butterfly, the life path becomes a metaphor for personal transformations and inner development. This concept permeates every movement, every musical chord, giving the show depth and a philosophical resonance.

This project appeals for your support, showcasing how dance and dancers can become vital during the warfare in Ukraine. They can not only help to mend the emotional wounds of Ukrainian audiences but also provide a means of physical assistance through charitable fundraising for those who, in the most critical situations, are saving lives.

Also we are seeking partners who would b interested in hosting an online premiere of the 'LYULI' on their platforms. This will not only help raise funds but also showcase solidarity and support for Ukrainian artists and their audiences.

TRAILER

Since the event is charitable, this budget covers daily allowances for the artists and salaries for the stage crew. The fees for the artists and choreographers are not included in this amount. At present, we understand that we need to raise a sum that will at least cover the venue rental and the promotional costs of the event, which total 3,600 euros.

The show is scheduled for October 22, 2024, and we have very little time left.

Please find the detailed budget below:

The project is implemented as part of the "What’s next?" residency, with the support of Fundatia Gabriela Tudor and co-financed by the European Union.

Join us in making an impact and nurturing the arts in Ukraine. Together, we can foster creativity and resilience, even amidst challenging times.