National Ballet of Ukraine dancers to leap into Miller Theater for one night only

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ukraine's official ballet company will make history this week with its first U.S. tour in over 30 years.

Dancers from the National Ballet of Ukraine will leap into Miller Theater for just one performance Wednesday at 8 p.m. Joining them on this 16-city tour are Canada's Ukrainian Shumka Dancers.

"It's going to be an expression of Ukrainian culture, really that no one has seen before,” said Marc McMurrin, CEO of the Ginsburg Family Foundation — the organizers of the tour. He says a giant LED wall behind the performers will help immerse the audience in a special way.

"This is a celebration and also an education and we are bringing the best dancers,” he said.

Classics such as "The Dying Swan," "Don Quixote," and "Giselle” will be performed.

The tour is being endorsed by the government of Ukraine, seeing it as a diplomatic mission as the country fights for its freedom.

"Yes, Ukraine has really a specific, a really beautiful culture, but actually, this culture is destroyed daily, and we have to protect it. We have to stand by Ukraine,” said Iryna Mazur, honorary consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia.

Portions of the proceeds will benefit HUMANITE , an organization dedicated to restoring and improving the lives of Ukrainian families affected by the war.