Balerin relates the whole story when he left Russia because of the war in Ukraine

Adrian Blake Mitchell and Andrea Lasakova went to St Petersburg as many dancers, attracted by the history and importance of the Russian ballet.

Already in the United States, they are testing for a future show, which will be played at the ballet school “Westside Ballet” in Santa Monica California, where Andrian was once a student.

“We have been living in Russia's St Petersburg for the last seven years, performing at the “Mikhailovsky” theatre, says American dancer Adrian Blake Mitchell.

It's always been my dream since I was a student. I've studied in Slovakia, I've always been fascinated by Russian and always wanted to dance in Russia”, says Andrea Lasakova, originally from Slovakia.

But Adrian and Andreas's dream of performing in one of the world's classical dance capitals came to a sudden halt when Russia attacked Ukraine.

We learned about the attack in Ukraine, and because of that we decided to leave”, Adrian says.

The couple's act was not welcomed with fiery applause as they were used to taste during the seven years they performed at the “Mikhailovsky” theatre.

Instead, after a four - hour journey through Russia, Adrian faced the harsh questions of Russian security agents ( The FSB) at a border crossing between Russia and Estonia.

Adrian pretended not to understand their Russian questions about why he was leaving the country and what he had done during his stay there. After about 10 minutes of interrogation, he was released and joined his anxious partner.

He deliberately did not speak Russian well, in fact his Russian is very good”, Andrea says while remembering that moment.

I was worried. I wasn't sure what would have happened if I didn't answer correctly. It was certainly a scary moment, especially because at that moment we were very close to exit (from the country)”, Adrian says.

Andrea and Adrian made the immediate decision to leave Russia as soon as the war started in Ukraine, while rumours began to circulate over possible deployment of military law, financial collapse, and restrictions on freedoms.

While in Russia the couple were not involved in politics, despite seeing many pro-democracy protesters march outside their home.

But since their arrival in the United States, they have been loud in opposing the war and supporting the people of Ukraine.

“As soon as I crossed the border, maybe within two hours, I posted and wrote about the war, condemning him. We settled in the face of a difficult situation. But what was happening to the people of Ukraine was the most tragic and terrible thing I could imagine”, Adrian says.

Partners on stage and outside, dancers believe the war has caused a deep rift on the international ballet scene.

The majority of our friends are international, they left and I don't think they'll be coming back soon, because it's very difficult”, Adrea says.

Russian “Ballet will certainly be completely isolated, isolated from the West”, Adrian says.

He believes that dancers still in Russia may oppose the war, but they fear the consequences if they protest.

The “listens very few Russian speakers, but many want to leave because they want to be able to speak”, Adrian says.

From leaving Russia, Adrian and Andrea are conducting performances and conversation to raise funds in support of Ukraine.

I think art is the best way to support and express yourself and to show what your position is. But not everyone has this opportunity, unfortunately”, Adrian says.

Currently they are testing at “Westside Ballet” for a performance of Russian choreographer Oleg Vinogradov, “Barber therefrom Adagio”.

It is a ballet that Adrian and Adrea performed in St Petersburg, which they fear will never be able to dance in Russia again. /voa