National Ballet of Ukraine to Perform with Japanese Children! Child Project 2026 for 'Special Selection' in July-August
The National Ballet of Ukraine's 'Child Project 2026' will feature local ballet students performing alongside world-class professionals in 13 locations across Japan during their summer tour. This third edition of the project aims to foster global perspectives and appreciation for peace through the power of art, even as the company continues to operate amidst the challenges of war.
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The National Ballet of Ukraine, a prestigious company inheriting history and tradition, will return to Japan this summer for a highly acclaimed gala performance, 'Special Selection 2026,' showcasing highlights of classic ballet.
Through the 'Child Project 2026,' it has been decided that children currently training at local ballet schools will perform in 13 cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, and Miyagi. The featured repertoire for the children is the 'Manu (Dance of the Pitcher)' from Act 2 of 'La Bayadere.' This delightful piece involves a playful interaction between a female dancer carrying a pitcher on her head and two child roles. It tells a story where children ask for the water intended as a wedding gift, making it an engaging piece for both performers and the audience.
The children are currently practicing hard for their dream collaboration with top-tier professionals. We invite you to witness their challenge on the big stage.
### About the Child Project 2026
This project began with the hope that children across Japan would develop rich sensibilities, expressive power, and a global perspective through stage experience with an international ballet company. This marks the third edition with the full cooperation of the National Ballet of Ukraine.
### Learning from the 'National Ballet of Ukraine' performing amidst war
Despite the challenges since the Russian invasion began, the National Ballet of Ukraine has continued its activities, performing worldwide to high acclaim. During the previous project, Artistic Director Yoshihiro Terada sent a message: 'Let us bring dreams and emotions to the audience together.' His words, coming from someone striving to provide hope to many, resonated deeply with the children. Seeing dancers who continue to perform even in times of war helps children realize that war is not just a story from a distant land and provides an opportunity to deepen their interest in peace.
### Comment from Yoshihiro Terada (Artistic Director)
'The experience of standing on the same stage as professional ballet dancers during childhood becomes a lifelong treasure and will surely be useful in your future life. The dancers of the National Ballet of Ukraine are also looking forward to interacting with the children of Japan. I hope this collaboration will be an opportunity for them to feel not only the technique and expression of ballet but also the preciousness of peace and the greatness of the power of art.'
### Feedback from Participants and Teachers
- 'The students were nervous but welcomed in a warm atmosphere, leaving them impressed not only by the dance but also by the personality and teamwork of the professionals.'
- 'It was a truly great experience, being thrilled by the class lessons with pros and overwhelmed by the speed of stage rehearsals.'
- 'Being able to see the backstage of professionals up close made us want to work even harder.'
- 'I was overwhelmed by the sight of them charming the audience with wonderful dancing even under the harsh situation of war.'
### Participating Schools (Partial List)
- July 23 (Toyohashi): ASANO International Ballet
- July 24 (Osaka): Terada Ballet Art School
- August 8 (Tokyo): Kagari Matsuura Ballet Academy
- August 11 (Kamakura): Matsushita Ballet Studio
... and more across 13 cities.
### Performance Schedule
July 23 (Thu) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday), 2026. Total 14 performances in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, Saitama, Chiba, Nagano, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Shizuoka.
Through the 'Child Project 2026,' it has been decided that children currently training at local ballet schools will perform in 13 cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, and Miyagi. The featured repertoire for the children is the 'Manu (Dance of the Pitcher)' from Act 2 of 'La Bayadere.' This delightful piece involves a playful interaction between a female dancer carrying a pitcher on her head and two child roles. It tells a story where children ask for the water intended as a wedding gift, making it an engaging piece for both performers and the audience.
The children are currently practicing hard for their dream collaboration with top-tier professionals. We invite you to witness their challenge on the big stage.
### About the Child Project 2026
This project began with the hope that children across Japan would develop rich sensibilities, expressive power, and a global perspective through stage experience with an international ballet company. This marks the third edition with the full cooperation of the National Ballet of Ukraine.
### Learning from the 'National Ballet of Ukraine' performing amidst war
Despite the challenges since the Russian invasion began, the National Ballet of Ukraine has continued its activities, performing worldwide to high acclaim. During the previous project, Artistic Director Yoshihiro Terada sent a message: 'Let us bring dreams and emotions to the audience together.' His words, coming from someone striving to provide hope to many, resonated deeply with the children. Seeing dancers who continue to perform even in times of war helps children realize that war is not just a story from a distant land and provides an opportunity to deepen their interest in peace.
### Comment from Yoshihiro Terada (Artistic Director)
'The experience of standing on the same stage as professional ballet dancers during childhood becomes a lifelong treasure and will surely be useful in your future life. The dancers of the National Ballet of Ukraine are also looking forward to interacting with the children of Japan. I hope this collaboration will be an opportunity for them to feel not only the technique and expression of ballet but also the preciousness of peace and the greatness of the power of art.'
### Feedback from Participants and Teachers
- 'The students were nervous but welcomed in a warm atmosphere, leaving them impressed not only by the dance but also by the personality and teamwork of the professionals.'
- 'It was a truly great experience, being thrilled by the class lessons with pros and overwhelmed by the speed of stage rehearsals.'
- 'Being able to see the backstage of professionals up close made us want to work even harder.'
- 'I was overwhelmed by the sight of them charming the audience with wonderful dancing even under the harsh situation of war.'
### Participating Schools (Partial List)
- July 23 (Toyohashi): ASANO International Ballet
- July 24 (Osaka): Terada Ballet Art School
- August 8 (Tokyo): Kagari Matsuura Ballet Academy
- August 11 (Kamakura): Matsushita Ballet Studio
... and more across 13 cities.
### Performance Schedule
July 23 (Thu) – August 11 (Tue, Holiday), 2026. Total 14 performances in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, Saitama, Chiba, Nagano, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Shizuoka.