SANDPOINT — When Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, ballet dancer Oleksandr Stoianov was among the Ukrainians who lost everything. 

Forced to flee his home, Stoianov later found himself in France attempting to create art and make a living. That’s where he helped found the Grand Kyiv Ballet, an organization meant to uplift Ukrainian dancers and spread their culture.

“Before 2014 a lot of Ukrainian dancers was like part of Russian companies like Moscow ballet or Saint Peterborough ballet,” Stoianov said. “After they took my home, I created the Grand Kyiv Ballet. A 100% Ukrainian company with Ukrainian name, with the name of the capital of our country, and invited my friends from different national theaters from Ukraine.” 

Nearly 12 years later, Stoianov company has expanded to a multiple troop operation touring in two countries. On Saturday, it will take him to North Idaho for the first time when the Grand Kyiv Ballet performs their version of Tchaikovsky's “Swan Lake.” 

The play’s four parts will be split into two acts; Stoianov said the only change from the classic version is the ending, which his company changes to be more positive. Stoianov said his company’s take on the play is rooted in the Ukrainian style of dance which puts emphasis on emotion and soul.  

Stoianov was a ballet dancer himself before suffering an injury in 2024 and now focuses solely on producing ballet projects. He said providing opportunities for Ukrainian dancers is more important than ever as the country’s war with Russia wages on, performances in his home country have decreased and taken a back seat.  

“Before the war, we had six performances during the week and some theaters closed,” Stoianov said. "Some dancers died in the war on the front. Some dancers are now working as taxi drivers because they didn't find a place for rehearsals. That's why it's very important to do what we do and give more job opportunities for the ballet dancers.” 

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Stoianov said the public’s support for the company increased massively and allowed them to expand their troops. The support allows them to continue manufacturing the sets and props in Ukraine and shipping them to the United States, Stoianov said. 

No longer just Ukrainian dancers, the Grand Kyiv Ballet is focused on spreading the Ukrainian’s style of dance and ensuring the country’s culture isn’t erased. 

“Russia destroyed our cities, our energetics and everything in our country,” Stoianov said. “But they can't destroy it our art, because everybody knows about Ukraine ballet now in all continents around the world." 

The Grand Kyiv Ballet performs numerous classic ballets including “Snow White” and “Giselle.” Stoianov said these performances are crucial to people everywhere because the stories allow them to escape from the troubling times and enjoy the energy from the dancers. 

"The ballet is a fairy tale, and they can imagine something new. Old people can feel themselves again, like 20 to 30 years ago, and they can be part of this fairy tale,” Stoianov said. “It's a fairy tale, it's like a movie, it's like books. It's everything about love, and this is one of the most important things in our lives.” 

The Grand Kyiv Ballet’s performance of “Swan Lake” comes to the Panida Theater on Saturday, Jan. 24. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the performance starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.panida.org/event/swan-lake.