Festival31 2025 Artist in Residence: Olena Hrabchack
Festival31 2025 Artist in Residence: Olena Hrabchack
Olena is one of the Artists commissioned as part of our 2025 Festival31 programme. You can find out more about the residences here: https://festival31.co.uk/artist-residencies/.
My name is Olena Hrabchak. I am a professional dancer, choreographer and a refugee from Ukraine. In August 2022, Now Im based in Liverpool Uk. I arrived in the UK under the government’s “Homes for Ukraine” scheme.I hold a Bachelor's degree in Choreography and specialise in Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Classical, Commercial, and Ukrainian Folk Dance. My experience includes both performing and teaching, and I am passionate about sharing my culture and story through dance.
For this years Festival31 Olena is collaborating with Tayo Aluko, an actor, singer and playwright. They are exploring how together their practices can explore the themes of the festival - displacement, forced migration, and resettlement. We are excited to see the results of their collaboration and hear about their experiences of working together.
Below are some examples of Olena's previous work and projects:
"Refuge Island" (Whispered Tales Theatre Company Currently touring a 20-minute dance performance that explores female migration and the human capacity to offer refuge in times of crisis. The performance shares the stories of three women from Ireland, Bosnia, and Afghanistan and is being presented in schools across Liverpool. https://www.whisperedtales.
Ukrainian Dance Group at AUGB Liverpool: Established and currently lead a Ukrainian dance group for refugees of all ages. Our mission is to promote Ukrainian culture and offer a sense of belonging through dance. Instagram: @radist_liverpool
LEAP Festival (with Clementine Arts): I Worked as a dancer and choreographer on “Finding Refuge,” a performance incorporating Ukrainian and Iranian dance, physical theatre, and spoken word by writer Amina Atiq. The piece told the stories of refugees from Namibia, Iran, Syria, and Ukraine who found sanctuary in Liverpool.
In Eurovision Week: Collaborated with Movema Dance Company to create a piece for the “Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade.” Alongside two other artists, we blended Ukrainian, English, and Indian dance styles to celebrate cultural unity and shared traditions.
For Refugee Cabaret at Quarry: I performed my own choreography as part of an event hosted by Secret Circus Company. My performance aimed to showcase Ukrainian culture and share the experiences of my people during these difficult times.
Seeking sanctuary: Seeking Sanctuary is a dance performance choreographed by Ukrainian artist Olena Hrabchak with a soundtrack created by Whispered Tales. Seeking Sanctuary shares the story of how Ukrainians were forced to leave their home and seek sanctuary here in England.
You can see more of her work and find out more about her practice on her Instagram profile @_black_pandora