This summer, Rio de Janeiro will become one of the global centers of support for Ukraine. It is here that young Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast Oleksandra Pascal will present her special performance, Dance of Freedom — a girl who lost her leg after a Russian missile strike, but never lost her faith, strength of spirit, or love for life.
Despite this terrible ordeal, Oleksandra returned to rhythmic gymnastics, continued training, performing internationally, and became a symbol of the resilience of Ukrainian children for the entire world.
Rio de Janeiro will be one of the five global capitals hosting the international Dance of Freedom project, which will also take place in Paris, New York, Nairobi, and Tokyo. Through the art of dance, the young Ukrainian aims to tell the world the story of Ukrainian children who survived the war, yet never lost the ability to dream, fight, and inspire others.
The project is implemented with the support of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation jointly with FC Shakhtar and is dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence.
Oleksandra’s previous performance in New York gained particular symbolism, where she presented the Dance of Freedom and met three-time world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Their appearance together became a powerful symbol of the strength, courage, and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Oleksandra is currently in Rio de Janeiro, and her performance will draw the attention of thousands of spectators, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Ukrainian community in Brazil, cultural figures, athletes, and international media.
This event holds special meaning for Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is a city of global art, sports, and freedom, and it is right here that the story of a Ukrainian child will speak a language understood by people regardless of nationality or country of residence.
In May 2022, Oleksandra suffered severe injuries as a result of a Russian missile strike on Zatoka in the Odesa region. Following an amputation, extensive rehabilitation, and the fitting of a modern prosthesis, she managed to return to high-level sports. Today, her story stands as an example that the human spirit is capable of overcoming even the most daunting life challenges.
Dance of Freedom is not merely an artistic performance. It is an appeal to the entire world, a reminder that the war in Ukraine continues, and that Ukrainian children keep fighting for their future every single day.
Every new performance by Oleksandra is more than just a demonstration of athletic skill. It is the voice of Ukrainian children who have lived through war, yet continue to dream, create, and fight for their future. Through the language of dance, she speaks of freedom, human dignity, and the right of every child to live without fear.
The story of Oleksandra Pascal is not just the story of one girl. It is the story of all of Ukraine, which, despite the pain, losses, and daily trials, continues to live, inspire the world, and prove that resilience is born where the love for life is stronger than any circumstances.
It is precisely stories like this that remind the international community of what matters most: the war in Ukraine is ongoing, but alongside it continues the fight for freedom, humanity, and the future. And as long as Ukrainian children find the strength to step onto the stage once again, smile, and inspire others, the world sees the true face of an unbreakable Ukraine.
Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: from social networks of Alexandra and the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation