Photo/Illutration The message on stage says it all for the Russian Ballet Theater performing in the United States. (Provided by Russian Ballet Theater)

As a member of the Russian Ballet Theater, Masayo Kondo is feeling the fierce fighting in Ukraine weighing on her from all sides. 

The Japanese ballerina and her fellow cast members learned of the Russian invasion while on their current tour of the United States.

Although there are Russians and Ukrainians in the troupe, the members are united in their opposition to war.

Before each performance, a large message appears on stage that says, “We Dance for Peace.”

“There are no national borders in the arts," said Kondo, 28. "I will dance for peace.”

Born in Miyazaki in southern Japan, Kondo took up ballet when she was only 3 and later studied for three years in Kyiv after graduating from high school. She now resides in Moscow.

Kondo has not forgotten her roots and in November brought Russian instructors to Miyazaki to offer local children the chance for personal interaction with ballet dancers.

The troupe Kondo belongs to entered the United States in early February and began its tour in New York. This was the first overseas tour in two years, with the interruption caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. A total of 52 performances are scheduled in 48 cities.

Among the 40 or so cast members are seven Ukrainians. They have constantly kept up with the latest developments in their homeland through their smartphones.

A bombing attack came within several hundred meters of one member’s family home. Others have been crying because they are so worried about their families, according to Kondo.

She has also contacted her friends in Ukraine. One left Ukraine with no clear intention of where to go. Others have slept at congested train stations, while some have decided to remain at home.

“The situation can change within an hour,” Kondo said. “I cannot believe that places where I used to live and saw often have turned into a battlefield.”

The touring cast has tried to show its diversity and unity.

A group photo posted to social media includes the home nation of each member, the Ukrainian flag and a message saying that while they may come from various nations, such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Japan, they all stand united on one stage.

While each performance has been before packed crowds, not everyone has welcomed the group from Russia. One restaurant in the United States refused to serve members lunch after learning they belonged to a Russian ballet group.

Phone calls have demanded an immediate cancellation of performances.

Kondo has also received critical messages posted to her social media account.

Even though she realizes the situation in Ukraine could become much worse, Kondo said, “Even if that happens, I believe all cast members, including the Russians, are opposed to this war. I want to continue dancing until the last performance while supporting my Ukrainian colleagues.”

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