12.14.2023

Today’s Forecast

🪞 The fairest one of all

The Grand Kyiv Ballet readies its Seattle debut

Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr Stoianov perform a ballet duet on stage in white costumes.

Kateryna and Oleksandr both regularly travel around the world to perform various ballet pieces. | Photo via People’s Artists of Ukraine Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr Stoianov

Earlier this year, data showed that 16,000+ Ukrainian refugees arrived in Washington state following the Russian invasion in 2022 — among them were Grand Kyiv Ballet Artistic Director Oleksandr Stoianov and prima ballerina Kateryna Kukhar.

After a bombing near their home while the couple was on tour, the two returned to Kyiv to evacuate their children. The family moved to Bellevue in May 2022 where they found a community of other Ukrainians.

Both dancers still hold top roles within the National Opera of Ukraine along with their touring company, but are now preparing to make their local debut with performances of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” at the Paramount Theatre Wednesday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 23.

Stoianov said the Grand Kyiv Ballet has now grown to include dancers from around the world instead of just Ukraine.
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Photo via People’s Artists of Ukraine Kateryna Kukhar and Oleksandr Stoianov

Mirror, mirror, on the wall...

Despite the devastating impacts of war, the company decided to introduce themselves to the community with a light-hearted piece that families could enjoy during the holiday season. Stoianov and Kukhar said they also hope to share a little bit of the dramatics of the Ukrainian style of ballet.

“Americans are very sunny people,” said Khukar. “We want to touch your heart, bring something to make you smile, and share a little bit of the Ukrainian arts,” said Khukhar.

Their production of the classic tale of “Snow White” is set to music by Polish composer Bogdan Pavlovsky, but closely resembles the Disney version of events.

Stoianov wants audiences to particularly admire the set design — all hand-painted by a family company — the beautiful costumes, and Snow White’s dwarves.

“They’re all dancers around their 20s, but they’re dressed to look like small children,” said Stoianov. “It’s a really funny role.”

Some proceeds from ticket sales will go toward renovation efforts of the Kyiv State Choreographic College, the dancers’ alma mater.

Tickets are on sale for each of the eight scheduled performances. And keep an eye on Stoianov and Kukhar — they’re looking to perform at the Tacoma Dome in their future.

Events

Thursday, Dec. 14

Black Nativity | Thursday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Dec. 30 | Times vary | Broadway Performance Hall, 1625 Broadway, Seattle | $5-$115 | This play, written by the late great Langston Hughes, blends powerful vocal performances from a gospel choir with sharp dance moves.
Candlelight: the Best of Hans Zimmer | Thursday, Dec. 14, Thursday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | The Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle | $36 | The multi-sensory musical experience features scores like “The Dark Knight” from the famous movie composer.

Friday, Dec. 15

Native Arts Market | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times vary | Daybreak Cultural Center, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle | Free | Shop from local Native creators and artisans and score gifts like drums, carved items, jewelry, and more.
George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 15-Wednesday, Dec. 27 | Times vary | McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle | $29-$213 | Watch the Sugar Plum Fairies and other magical beings prance along the stage in this holiday ballet classic.

Saturday, Dec. 16

DILA Pop-Up | Saturday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 16 | Times vary | Kilig, 710 Eighth Ave. South, Seattle | $85 | Expect crispy pork belly and sweet rice cakes at this pop-up from acclaimed Filipino chef LJ Almendras.
Seattle SantaCon 2023 Day 2 | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 12 p.m.-2 a.m. | Downtown Seattle, 1416 First Ave., Seattle | $7.50-$35 | A horde of drinking Santas will take over downtown Seattle — you can be one of them.
Vision Euro Söng Cöntest | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 9:30 p.m. | CSz Seattle - Home of ComedySportz, 3509 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle | $20 | Improv performers take audience song suggestions in this EuroVision parody. .

Sunday, Dec. 17

Sleigh That 5K | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 10 a.m. | Green Lake Park, 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle | $21.50-$45 | Enjoy the crisp air with a race against other local runners.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Environment

The Seattle City Council approved a new ordinance requiring buildings of more than 20,000 sqft to cut their carbon emissions to a net zero by 2050. The new policy applies to 4,000+ buildings in the city. (GeekWire)

Eat

Eater Seattle released its 2023 Awards that go to outstanding local restaurants. Among the honorees were Layers Green Lake (Restaurant of the Year) and Ludi’s Restaurant for “Best Comeback”. (Eater Seattle)

Biz

Time to get a lunchbox — Boeing plans to require that all of its employees return to the office full-time. There hasn’t been a clear timeline announced for the new policy, but one group has reportedly been told it will begin after the holidays. (Seattle Times)

Legacy

Community arts leader and former Town Hall executive Wier Harman has died at age 57 after a battle with lung cancer. Harman served on the Puget Sound Public Radio board of directors for nine years. In 2015, Seattle Met named him one of “15 People Who Should Really Run Seattle.” (KUOW)

Award

Seattle Parks and Rec announced the winners of its 2023 Denny Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Stewardship. Those who received recognition include longtime urban nature guide Antje Mueller and teens Riley + Cooper Ridenour.

Open

We love a wardrobe change — Bellevue’s Bar Moore has transformed into Cafe Moore during the day. The seafood and wine restaurant at 10237 Main Street offers a menu of coffees, pastries, and other goodies until 2 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. (Downtown Bellevue Network)

Seasonal

You’ve made your list and checked it twice — now it’s time to knock out holiday shopping. Attend a Seattle Restored event to find unique gifts, and feel great knowing that your dollars are directly supporting local makers. Bookmark this page — and stay up to date as more holiday specials + events are announced.*

Wellness

This FDA-registered, doctor-recommended vibrator is clinically proven to heighten arousal and help alleviate dryness, thanks to its ultra-flexible shape designed to hit all the right spots. (Even better? Our readers get 30% off.)*

Holiday

🔔 Ringing in 2024

Winter events happening in and around Seattle

What a showoff. | Photo via @david_amy_mira

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Oh, just 2024 waiting for all of us just around the corner.

Need help making some plans? Boy, do we have some New Year’s Eve recommendations for you.

New Year’s Eve at the Center | 4:30 p.m.-1 a.m. | Seattle Center | Free | Come early for free music, dance performances, and snacks — then stay for the Space Needle fireworks show at midnight.

Countdown to Elegance: A Glamorous New Year’s Affair! | 7 p.m.-1 a.m. | Columbia Tower Club | $330-$510 | Nothing says glamour quite like celebrating in the tallest building in Seattle.

New Year’s Eve with Kenny G | 7:30 p.m. + 10:30 p.m. | Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley | $150-$209 | The saxophone legend with local roots will help end the year on a smooth note — enjoy a four course meal while you groove along.

Five more glitzy options

The Buy

The Buy 12.14.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

A tried-and-true gift recommended by our editors. Think: cozy slippers, cordless vacuums, and weighted blankets.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alina

From the editor

As a big ballet nerd, it was soo hard to hide my overwhelming excitement while I was talking with Kateryna and Oleksandr this week. I was goofy enough getting to chat with the folks at PNB about ballet for hours two years ago, but now we’re meeting world-class artists? Absolutely mind-blowing.

They were absolutely delightful to chat with and I was excited to hear about their future plans to do another US tour with “Giselle,” my favorite ballet.

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