WELCOMING PROJECT FOR UKRAINE

On May 12, 2022, the City Angels Association awarded the prestigious "Peace Champion Award" to the Accademia Ucraina di Balletto, recognizing the institute's commitment to the "Welcoming project for Ukraine". In response to the dramatic situation in the country, the Academy, with the support of its faculty, launched an initiative to host 21 students from Kyiv, accompanied by their families. Some of these family units were welcomed by the Marcelline Institute, while others were hosted by Milanese families who offered their support.

The students were able to continue their educational journey by attending professional dance courses at the Academy and academic lessons organized by the Marcelline Institute. Additionally, Italian language courses were offered, both for the students and their mothers, to facilitate integration. In March 2022, the Academy organized a charity gala that raised €5,000, which was donated to Don Orione for aid efforts in Ukraine.

The project gained significant media attention, with numerous television reports broadcast by channels like Mediaset and Rai, and articles published in major Italian newspapers. Eight of the hosted Ukrainian students graduated in June 2022, and they had the opportunity to join a professional dance company, launching their artistic careers.

Some students later returned to Ukraine, while others stayed in Italy, earning their diplomas and continuing their careers as professional dancers. One student, in particular, chose to compete in a dance competition under the name of the Academy, maintaining strong ties with her original school.

This project has demonstrated how dance can become a powerful tool for hospitality and integration. The Accademia Ucraina di Balletto, long an example of coexistence among different cultures, continues to promote art as a means of unity, inspired by the shared Vaganova teaching method, used in the countries of the former Soviet Union. 

The Academy's principle, in fact, is that "Art unites, not divides," showing that even in difficult times, beauty is still possible.