By Jennifer Mustoe
The Moscow Ballet goes all around the United States, months before the dates of their productions, and auditions local children to be in their revolutionary, unique, and beautiful production of Great Russian Nutcracker. The benefits of this particular production are many, but it comes down to people. In interviewing Yuriy Kuzo, dancer and teacher in the company, the biggest blessing this company brings is its passion to teach dance to children.
Kuzo, who is from Ukraine and has two university degrees, comes from a long line of teachers and adores that he can share is love of dance and what it means to young people. Says he, “Ballet teaches four things:
- Kids will learn who they are.
- Dancing helps children become familiar with how to strengthen and understand how to use their body in an athletic, healthy way.
- Dancing helps children (and everyone!) express their feelings, especially those that are hard to put into words.
- Dancing heals your soul.”
Kuzo began dancing at age 5 (he’s 30 now) and started just for himself. But the more he danced, the more he realized that this art form is something he not only wanted to share, but felt a true passion and responsibility to share. In speaking with him, I could completely understand his commitment to his art and to those who he teaches and performs for. And speaking of understanding, though he has an accent, he speaks extremely well and shared with me that he learned in English in four months, studying eight hours per day. He is a dedicated student as well as teacher. He also speaks his native language from Ukraine, and speaks Russian and Polish.
He is performing the Moscow Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker and it is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. I’ll share more of that in my review next week (I’m seeing the ballet in Grand Junction, CO on Monday). I’m so excited because they have taken Russian traditions and old Russian folktales and added them to the production. There’s also some very gymnastic type moves, but I’ll say more about that in my review.
I was very impressed with Kuzo. How could I not be? He is so remarkably enthusiastic about the children of the US. He said that those children he sees as he teaches them the steps are filled with fire, filled with desire, they have “flames in their eyes,” about ballet. He doesn’t see that in Ukraine. He’s also impressed with how disciplined our dancers are. He says he is a kind and nice teacher, but he is strict. He shows the kids what to do, and then–they just do it! The kids listen and then they dance what they’ve learned. His motto is to help them find their path in life and wants to share his knowledge and also learn from his students.
This year, the Moscow Ballet is performing their Dove of Peace Tour–hoping they can encourage kindness toward all, to open our hearts, and bring peace. What a wonderful message this Christmas season!
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Facebook Page
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Facebook Event–Grand Junction, CO
Avalon Theatre Grand Junction CO Facebook Page
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