On March 30, the National Opera of Ukraine stage presented the young talents, alumni of the Kyianochka (Little Kyivan Girl) Cultural Center, a specialized choreographic lyceum of the Ukrainian Dance Academy. Many spectators attended this concert with the sole purpose of seeing the performance of Viktor Ishchuk, one of the lyceum’s best students.
A few days ago he won the annual Person of the Year award in the Young Talent of the Year nomination. The 16 year-old dancer already has to his credit many prizes awarded at various international contests and festivals not only in this country but also in Austria and Germany.
“My mother made me take up choreography,” young Ishchuk confesses. “Frankly, as a child I liked soccer and boxing more. I was even a bit bewildered: why on earth dancing? But gradually, with each new lesson in the lyceum, it became and more interesting. For we are taught the classics, modern compositions, jazz, tap, and folk dances. Now I am very grateful to mother for having been so insistent. And sports? I like swimming. We’ve got such serious targets that, if you like, you can earn a master of sports degree! Now I’ve become an active fan. I try not to miss a live television broadcast of Kyiv Dynamo or the Klychko brothers’ fights. In my future profession, I want to become not simply a good performer but a true master, like Vladimir Malakhov, Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Irek Mukhamedov, and Vladimir Vasiliev. All of them are very different dancers, with each having a distinct style of his own.”
Viktor Ishchuk’s teachers, Halyna and Dmytro Kaihorodov, are satisfied with their pupil. They confirm that the boy has not only God-given talent but also enthusiasm and strong character. He has a sophisticated technique. The teenager literally transfigures himself onstage, demonstrating true virtuosity. The lyceum not only gives its student specialized choreographic education but also teaches them general school subjects. Viktor is especially good in the sciences, such as mathematics and physics. In addition, biology and English are among his favorite subjects.
It looks as if one can already collect exhibits for a future museum. For example, there are the ballet slippers Viktor wore during an international contest in Vienna, where he won the gold medal, surpassing 400 dancers. Also in the young artist’s bag is the bronze medal of the Third Serge Lifar International Ballet Contest and the Grand Prix of the Children and Ballet Stars dance festival held at the National Opera of Ukraine. However, Viktor, while proud of his victories, is far from conceited. In mid-April, he will go to Perm for a classical ballet contest. You cannot literally draw him out of the rehearsal class now. The professionals are keeping their eyes on Ishchuk, waiting until the time comes. And then what?
“I prefer classical choreography,” Viktor says. “I already have proposals to work at the National Opera of Ukraine, foreign impresarios from France and Austria are also offering their services. But I still have two years to go to the lyceum. So I will choose the best offer. Even if I go abroad, I won’t forget my homeland.”
