Front Row: Dancing Through the Devastation of War
In the gripping documentary "Front Row – Dancing for Resistance," filmmaker Miriam Guttmann juxtaposes the art of dance with the horrors of war in Ukraine. The film follows the United Ukrainian Ballet, a troupe of 60 Ukrainian dancers who found refuge in The Hague, Netherlands.
Art and War Collide
The film opens with a stark contrast: the explosive energy of a dance performance intercut with graphic footage of fighting in Ukraine. This juxtaposition highlights the profound emotional and physical toll the war takes on the dancers.
"I feel guilty since the war started," confides Alexis Tutunnique, the company’s lead dancer. "My compatriots are risking their lives, and I’m safely abroad. I try to make a difference through ballet."
Haunted by the War
The daily lives of the young artists are punctuated by phone calls with family members who remain in Ukraine. Their hopes and fears are palpable.
Vladyslav Bondar’s injured father plans to return to the front lines. "I feel guilty being here. I keep thinking I should be fighting," he says.
Violetta Hurko’s brother is also on the front. Amidst the uncertainty, she finds solace in designing a tattoo for him.
An Inspiring Encounter
Through Instagram, Alexis Tutunnique connects with Oleksandr Teren Budko ("Sasha"), a soldier who lost his legs in combat. Touched by Sasha’s sacrifice, Tutunnique invites him to see the company’s performance of "Giselle."
Sasha, a former bartender and graphic designer, is utterly captivated by his first ballet. "I was surprised by the jumps. They seemed to float in the air," he says. "My legs fascinate me more than ever now."
A Shared Mission
Acknowledging the power of the arts, Sasha emphasizes to the dancers, "Your work is valuable for Ukraine. Don’t underestimate its importance."
From Soldier to Dancer
Inspired by this connection, Sasha embarks on a collaboration with the troupe. He patiently learns ballet exercises and performs in a short piece entitled "Front Row."
Rehearsals are filled with ingenuity and adaptability. Sasha brings a raw presence and instinctive talent to the stage.
A Moment of Serenity
Days before the premiere, Sasha expresses his fears of collapsing "both physically and emotionally." Yet, on the night of the performance, he exudes a sense of calm.
As he sits beside his prosthetics on stage, then is lifted by the dancers, a profound stillness fills the air. Miriam Guttmann’s camera captures the moment with a quiet eloquence.
A Symbol of Hope
"Front Row – Dancing for Resistance" is a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. It showcases the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire, even in the darkest of times.
The United Ukrainian Ballet’s performances serve as a beacon of hope, reminding the world that even in the face of war, the human spirit endures and finds expression in the most unexpected ways.
