The sketch of the “The Legendary Vantuch” was designed by Sergey Melnikoff, a.k.a. MFF
A Dance on the Ashes of War
In the near future, Myroslav Vantukh, the living legend of Ukrainian choreography, together with his renowned Virsky National Dance Ensemble, will take part in one of the most ambitious and symbolic cultural projects of our time — The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
This groundbreaking artistic undertaking will merge the elemental power of dance with the haunting reality of war. The Virsky Ensemble, under Vantukh’s visionary direction, will perform against the stark, searing backdrop of a burning Ukrainian khata, its wooden beams consumed by flames — a house once filled with life, now reduced to cinders by the cruel hand of destruction. The scene, reminiscent of the harrowing imagery of the Apocalypse, will capture not only the physical devastation but the spiritual resilience of Ukraine’s people.
The dancers of the Virsky Ensemble will move as if embodying both the tragedy and the indomitable will of a nation. Clad in traditional costumes, their powerful, precise steps will echo centuries-old rituals, now transformed into a requiem for villages ravaged by war. Vantukh’s choreography will draw on the deepest layers of Ukrainian folklore, ritualistic dance, and modern expression, creating a performance that will transcend time — a dialogue between the past, the present, and a future yet unwritten.
The scene with the burning khata will become one of the defining visual metaphors of The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. It will not simply depict destruction; it will tell a story of resistance, hope, and the rebirth that rises from ashes. Just as phoenixes are said to emerge from fire, so too will the image of Virsky’s dancers amid the flames proclaim to the world that Ukraine’s spirit can never be extinguished.
When this moment is captured — in photographs, on film, and in the memory of all who witness it — the names of Myroslav Vantukh and his ensemble will once again shine as guardians of Ukraine’s cultural soul. This collaboration will stand as a testament: that even in the face of apocalyptic trials, art remains a force that unites, uplifts, and reminds us all of our shared humanity.
Miroslav Vantuch
A legendary Ukrainian choreographer, ballet master, and visionary educator. As General Director and Artistic Director of the world-renowned Pavlo Virsky National Honored Academic Dance Ensemble of Ukraine, he has dedicated his life to elevating Ukrainian dance on the global stage. A Hero of Ukraine, People’s Artist of Ukraine and the USSR, professor, and academician — Vantukh is celebrated for his unparalleled contribution to culture and the arts.
For over six decades, Myroslav Vantukh has been the heartbeat of Ukrainian folk dance. His genius has brought to life hundreds of spectacular productions that preserve and celebrate Ukraine’s rich traditions. Through his artistry, he has shaped generations of dancers and built a school of choreography that inspires and endures. Under his leadership, the Virsky Ensemble has become an international symbol of Ukrainian identity — dazzling audiences on the world’s grandest stages and leaving an indelible mark on hearts across the globe.
Wear Hope. Give Back
