From bombs to ballet: Ukraine dancers perform 'Giselle' in London

Dancers Vladyslav Bondar and Maria Shupilova perform during a dress rehearsal for 'Giselle', a show by the United Ukrainian Ballet and produced by Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, at the Coliseum Theatre in London, Britain, September 13, 2022. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

At the London Coliseum theatre, a cast of Ukrainian dancers rehearse a new production of "Giselle", as Russian-born choreographer and former Bolshoi Ballet director Alexei Ratmansky watches from the sidelines.

The performers are part of The United Ukrainian Ballet, a company of 60 refugee Ukrainian dancers, technicians and creatives who fled their home country after Moscow launched its invasion in February.