94 | SEPTEMBER 22 • 2022 

country. It is normal to love the country 
where you were born and grew up, the 
place where your family lives.
JN: What close family members do you 
have in Ukraine?
KK: Most of my family lives in Ukraine, 
including my parents and my son.
JN: Have you been able to keep in touch 
with your family while you were in Paris 
and what have they said to you?
KK: Yes, of course. We [have been] 
in communication every day. The most 
important question for me is if they are 
safe. 
JN: How is your family doing?
KK: They are doing as well as can 
be expected in this situation. They are 
together and that helps.
JN: What countries have you visited 
since leaving Ukraine?
KK: We have been in France, the Czech 
Republic, England and Egypt. 
JN: How have you been treated by the 
people you’re meeting around the world?
KK: People have been very warm and 
supportive everywhere we travel.
JN: What has Judaism meant to you as 
you experience this difficult situation?

KK: There was a very pleasant and 
unexpected moment for me. In the 
very first days of the war, the Kharkiv 
Jewish Center contacted me and asked 
about how I was and how my family 
was doing. It gave me the feeling that 
we have a very big and supportive 
Jewish community in Ukraine and in 
the world. We help each other in any 
situation.
JN: What do you want people to learn 
about the Ukrainians?
KK: People want to know about our 
culture and traditions. They want to 
know how we lived our lives before the 
war and how we are now.
JN: What do you want them to know 
about your travels?
KK: We would like everyone to know 
how thankful we are for the support we 
have received everywhere we go.
JN: What have you learned about 
attitudes toward Ukrainians since [the 
attacks] began?
KK: I think before the beginning of the 
war many people didn’t know very much 
about our country. Now people are so 
interested in learning about us and our 

culture and country.
JN: Are there any special experiences 
you will always remember from being in 
the company?
KK: The opportunity to work at the 
Opera Garnier, thanks to the wonderful 
people of the Paris Opera. This is a dream 
for every dancer.
JN: What do you want the world to 
know about the fighting in Ukraine?
KK: We hope the end of the war comes 
soon. We want to go home. 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYIV CITY BALLET

Kristina 
Kadashevych 
of the Kyiv 
City Ballet

Maryna 
Apanasenko 
of the Kyiv 
City Ballet

ARTS&LIFE
DANCE

continued from page 92

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