Prominent Russian ballerina Natalia Osipova to star in Ukraine fundraising gala at London Coliseum

A prominent Russian ballerina will take part in a charity gala at the London Coliseum this weekend to raise funds for the people of Ukraine.

Dance for Ukraine will feature Natalia Osipova, principal dancer at the Royal Ballet and the most prominent Russian ballerina outside of Russia, along with artists from English National Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet.

Katja Khaniukova, who fled Kyiv during fighting in 2014 to join the English National Ballet, will also be performing.

The gala, which will be held on Saturday evening, has been organised by the Ukrainian ballet star Ivan Putrov and the Romanian ballerina Alina Cojocaru, who trained together in Kyiv before joining the Royal Ballet.

With their dance journeys starting in Kyiv, the pair wanted to show their love, admiration and support for family and friends by organising this gala fundraiser.

Putrov said: “The gala is about taking a stand for human values.

“Our unity strengthens the message.

“Everyone’s participation will help someone just like them who found themselves in dire circumstances due to violence of war.

“Dance, music and art move the world, not violence.

“Since we, the artists, possess the gift – we must use it.”

Cojocaru said: “Mere words can offer little in the face of such suffering and the loss of innocent human lives.

“Art, love and humanity have the power to inspire and even to heal.

“In this spirit we will unite to dance and offer what help we can.”

All proceeds from the evening performance will be donated to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC), Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

All participating dancers have donated their services and English National Opera have waived their rental fee for the London Coliseum.

The ENO Orchestra, ENO Chorus and friends have volunteered to musically support the evening.

A message from the editor:

• Thank you for reading our coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which is having far-reaching consequences for everyone across London, including our Ukrainian neighbours. You can find more stories on Londoners caught up in the conflict here.
• If you would like to help, we have compiled a guide which includes the latest donation points in London, details on protests and also the best charities to donate to.
• LondonWorld has partnered with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) charities, who are providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance with local partners in Ukraine and neighbouring counties. Learn more and donate what you can today.
• For the more news, analysis and information on the conflict, visit our sister site NationalWorld.