Young Dancer's Bolshoi Dream On Hold: 'We Support Ukraine'

GREENPORT, NY: A Greenport High School student who had plans to dance with the Bolshoi Ballet's summer intensive program in New York City has seen his dream put on hold due to Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Peter John Gwiazda, a 10th grader, had recently been selected for the six-week program. But then Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine rocked the world.

"Peter's Bolshoi dream will not happen this summer," his mother Debbie Hooper said on social media. "We support Ukraine and American Bolshoi for making this decision. We pray for all."

According to Hooper, a parent meeting was held last week. "We were still holding out hopes the summer would proceed." However, she said: "The teachers come from Moscow. With the airlines not flying, and visas most likely being denied, it is best."

Her son and others are upset to see dreams derailed — but also certain that the decision was the right one, with the need to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, she said.

"Peter is upset because he has worked so hard. The Bolshoi women running this group are heartbroken. You could see it in their faces at last week's meeting," she said.

Peter's father John Gwiazda and she explained to their son the devastating impact of Putin's actions to those in Ukraine. "Peter has been watching the cruelty of what is happening in Ukraine. John's last name is Ukraine and means 'star.' I come from a Hungarian background where there was previously political strife," Hooper said. "We support Ukraine."

As for Peter, he will try again for next year's program. "He has an audition coming up on March 13 with another ballet summer program. Wish him success," she said.

Most important is supporting Ukraine in their darkest hour, Hooper said: "It is the best decision. We pray Ukraine success in standing strong."