Konstantin Tkachuk Says Farewell

Corps de Ballet dancer Konstantin Tkachuk will retire from the stage in his fourth season with The National Ballet of Canada to focus on his family and business, T&Y Ballet Studio, giving his final performances in Christopher Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale in November. Konstantin danced previously with Eifman Ballet, Mariinsky Theatre and Mikhailovsky Theatre before the war in Ukraine prompted his move to Canada in 2022. Here, he shares more about his life, career and future in dance.

Tell us about your journey from Ukraine to Canada.

My path to Canada was not a direct one from Ukraine. Before moving, I worked at both the Mariinsky and Mikhailovsky Theatres in St. Petersburg. Those were important years for me artistically but when the war began in February 2022 everything changed. For me, staying in Russia was impossible – not only because of my Ukrainian roots but also because of my own beliefs and my stance on the war itself. My family and I made the decision right away to leave and begin a new chapter in safety. 

That choice has been painfully validated many times since. In June 2025 after years of war, my family’s apartment in Ukraine was destroyed. It was a devastating reminder of how fragile life has become for millions of Ukrainians.

Canada was the natural choice as a country that welcomes immigrants with openness and provides opportunities to build a new life. Toronto especially felt like a dream: a vibrant, cultural city and the home of The National Ballet of Canada. To be able to continue dancing here in one of the world’s great companies was a dream come true. I am deeply grateful that Canada has truly become our second home.

What have you enjoyed most about your time with the company?

I have had the privilege of performing in virtually everything the company has staged. Each ballet brought its own challenges and rewards but the works that stand out most for me are Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Onegin and Jewels. These productions left a lasting impression on me – each demanding something unique whether technically, emotionally or artistically.

Another highlight has been the opportunity to work with some of the most remarkable choreographers of our time as well as outstanding coaches and teachers who came to the company. Those experiences shaped me enormously and gave me new perspectives as an artist.

What I’ve valued most, however, is the company itself. The National Ballet of Canada feels like a finely tuned organism where every single person – on stage, in the studio and behind the scenes – works together toward the same goal. It is filled with remarkable artists who are not only exceptionally talented but also hardworking, generous and deeply interesting people. Every rehearsal feels like a privilege and every performance reminds me why I love this art form.

The tours to London and Paris were also unforgettable highlights, offering the chance to see how our work touched audiences abroad. These four years have been filled with experiences and memories that will always stay with me.

What can you tell us about your dance studio and the next chapter of your career?

Beyond the stage, my wife and I have created something very close to our hearts: T&Y Ballet Studio in Midtown Toronto. My wife, Sabina, was a principal ballerina at the Mikhailovsky Theatre and she brings extraordinary artistry and knowledge to teaching. Together, we wanted to create a space where children can discover ballet but also grow in discipline, creativity and imagination and where families can feel part of a cultural community.

Because both of us have lived this profession at the highest level we know not only what it takes to succeed in ballet but also how much the art form can give to children in terms of resilience, focus and self–expression. What makes this journey especially meaningful for me is that I have experienced different systems of ballet training and performance from the inside. I know the traditions of Ukraine and Russia, and over these past four years I have also seen and lived the Western approach here in Canada. I believe there is great value in bringing together the best aspects of both worlds. This is something unique I can contribute both to my students and to the cultural life of Toronto and Canada. 

For me, building this studio is also about giving something back – to Toronto, to Canada and to the future of ballet.

At the same time I will always remain grateful to The National Ballet of Canada for giving me the opportunity to continue dancing at the highest level when I arrived. Hope Muir’s support and vision meant so much to me and I will never forget it. The experience I’ve gained here will always be part of me and I will carry it into everything I do next.

Learn More About Konstantin Tkachuk

Top Photo: Konstantin Tkachuk. Photo by Karolina Kuras.