Ukrainian International Ballet Expands Its Geography

Ukrainian International Ballet recently took an important step beyond the Netherlands, presenting INdependent24 in Belgium for the first time. The performance took place at the Cultural Centre Sint-Niklaas, marking a new point on our touring map and opening a new geographic chapter for the company.

This opportunity emerged unexpectedly. Due to internal circumstances, the theatre confirmed the performance less than a month before the show date. Despite the short preparation time and the challenge of entering a new country and a new cultural context, we decided to take the risk and step onto a new stage.

The risk proved to be fully justified.

The audience in Sint-Niklaas welcomed the performance with great warmth and openness. We received sincere, thoughtful feedback and felt a strong connection during the evening — a clear sign that the language and themes of INdependent24 resonate beyond borders and familiar territories.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the team of the Cultural Centre Sint-Niklaas for their high level of professionalism, as well as for their kindness, openness, and supportive collaboration throughout the process. Their approach created a trusting and welcoming environment that made this first step into Belgium especially meaningful for us.

Alongside the performance, we also had the chance to briefly enjoy the city of Sint-Niklaas itself, taking a quiet walk and allowing ourselves a moment to absorb the atmosphere of a place that is now part of our journey.

This performance marks an important milestone for Ukrainian International Ballet — a new geography, a new audience, and a new space for dialogue through dance. We are grateful for the warm reception and hopeful that this first encounter will grow into continued collaboration and a lasting presence in Belgium.