Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky, born in 1927, was not merely a ballerina; she was a symbol of resilience, an embodiment of grace amidst hardship. Her life was a tapestry woven with the threads of ballet, war, exile, and ultimately, a triumphant return to her homeland. I am not a biographer by profession, just a young dancer whose heart has been captured by Roma's story. I have sought to learn about this extraordinary woman through stories from her contemporaries, her own writings, and of course, her enduring presence in the world of dance.
Born in the heart of Ukraine, Roma’s journey began with a childhood steeped in the art of dance. From her early years, she was surrounded by music and movement, with the rhythmic pulse of folk dances echoing in her home and in her young soul. It was a natural progression for her to enrol in the Kyiv Opera Ballet school. This was her world, where the elegance of the "grand jeté" and the intensity of a fouetté filled her every thought.
Her talent shone brightly, even amidst the bleak shadows of World War II. The war swept across Ukraine like a devastating storm, casting a chilling darkness upon the vibrant dance studios she knew so well. Ballet was set aside as families scrambled for safety, Roma amongst them. Despite the upheaval and uncertainty, she clung to her love for dance. When the war ended, the desire to dance re-ignited in her, but her world had changed. Ukraine was now part of the Soviet Union, and Roma, a young, aspiring ballerina, found herself at the mercy of a new political order. It was during this turbulent time, at the age of 16, that she was invited to audition for the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre. To many, this seemed like a golden opportunity; to be admitted to the Bolshoi was a pinnacle of achievement, but for Roma, the decision was far from simple. It would mean leaving her homeland, a country now shrouded in fear and doubt.
She knew that being away from her homeland would come with heavy emotional baggage. To her, dance had become a powerful symbol of Ukraine. Every leap, every turn, was a poignant reminder of the beauty and resilience of her heritage. She had a sense of duty, to the dance and to her country, and for her, this was a hard choice. Nevertheless, she trusted her instincts and chose to continue her studies, knowing that she could use the platform provided to promote Ukrainian culture.
This period of training was far from idyllic. There were tough rehearsals, intense scrutiny from renowned dancers and teachers. She had to push herself beyond her comfort zone, but her determination never faltered. This determination was also what she drew upon to survive the rigorous curriculum of the Bolshoi Ballet, to overcome language barriers, to find her own artistic expression. She was now surrounded by Soviet dancers, with whom she had to forge a common language, the language of dance. She was determined to succeed, not just for herself, but for every Ukrainian dancer who dreamed of a global stage.
Roma was well-respected, an accomplished ballerina within the prestigious Bolshoi. She was admired for her grace, elegance, and for her unique interpretation of classic ballets. Despite being surrounded by celebrated Soviet dancers, she never forgot her Ukrainian roots. In every performance, she infused her movements with the spirit of her heritage, with the warmth and the heart that only Ukrainians possess. She held fast to the desire to take Ukrainian dance onto a grander stage, but this would remain a distant dream for the moment.
The chance she had been waiting for arose in the form of a chance encounter that would forever change her life. Roma had long held a deep fascination with Western classical dance, particularly with the work of Marius Petipa. A famed choreographer of French and Russian origins, Petipa’s intricate creations captivated her artistic sensibility. A connection was established, a bond forged through a mutual love for the artistry and passion of classical ballet. Through this friendship, Roma’s journey took an unexpected twist.
This newfound association with a prominent figure of the international dance world, who recognized her talent and commitment to the art, proved to be pivotal for Roma's career. Her world of dance expanded, becoming no longer defined by her place of birth or by political allegiances, but by the universal language of art. The allure of a career outside of the Soviet Union grew increasingly stronger. In a bold move, she made the choice to relocate to France, joining the esteemed French National Ballet. For many, this decision would be met with scorn, even with accusations of betrayal. Roma, however, knew that her decision had to be driven by her inner convictions, by her passion for dance. It was through this difficult choice that she proved herself to be more than a dancer, she was a strong woman with her own will and convictions. A woman who knew exactly what she wanted from life.
As a dancer in the prestigious Parisian ballet company, Roma found herself immersed in an entirely new realm of dance. She relished the opportunity to collaborate with acclaimed French choreographers. There was the exquisite elegance of Balanchine, the rhythmic precision of Serge Lifar, the experimental power of Roland Petit. This gave her exposure to new choreographies, new musical palettes, and a greater sense of the broader spectrum of the art. Every day, she discovered new layers of expression within herself, through these collaboration, each a significant milestone in her journey. These years were not merely a dance training experience for Roma, it was a complete artistic awakening. In every city, on every stage, her movements held within them the rhythm of her homeland, and the melody of her spirit, reminding the world that a Ukrainian ballet dancer had carved a niche in a new world. Her story, one of perseverance, ambition, and talent, had become a potent symbol of artistic courage. Yet, Roma remained aware of the void in her heart. There was a part of her that belonged in the land she was born in, to the place that held her roots.
As a young dancer in the French company, Roma often spoke of a feeling that was more profound than just nostalgia; a deep connection that whispered to her. A feeling that her true destiny lay in returning to her native Ukraine, not only as a celebrated ballerina but as a teacher, a mentor, a guiding light for a new generation of dancers. Her dream wasn't limited to just returning home. She was consumed by an unyielding determination to revive the art of ballet in Ukraine, and to offer to her countrymen the artistic experience that had shaped her. As a member of a famed French ballet company, she could easily have spent the rest of her life on the global stage, enjoying success in a more comfortable environment. But she made the choice to leave the dazzling limelight behind and return to the country of her birth, bringing with her the wisdom of the Parisian stage, and the experience of working alongside dance giants of that era.
The 1980s marked the return of the prodigal daughter to the Ukrainian soil. Her homecoming wasn't about personal gain or fame, but about an unflinching belief in her home. With this dedication, Roma established the prestigious Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Ballet Studio in Kyiv. The establishment of this studio represented not only a homecoming, but the inception of her legacy. It was an opportunity for her to leave an indelible mark upon Ukrainian ballet. She dedicated herself to imparting the invaluable lessons she had gathered from her illustrious career, from her exposure to international dance giants. This was an opportunity to introduce the beauty of classic ballet and the brilliance of modern choreography to a new generation.
It was her intention to not only share knowledge, but also to open a pathway for young Ukrainian talent to flourish on the world stage. Within the academy, students were not just instructed in the art of dance, but inspired to explore its full potential. Under Roma's direction, a new wave of ballet artists was fostered, with the studio being an integral factor in shaping Ukraine’s ballet scene into a vibrant force, respected throughout the world. Within her school, students were given the space to embrace, and explore all the styles that she had grown up on. Ballet became more than just a movement; it was a cultural resurgence.
As the founding force behind the ballet studio, Roma's legacy would live on through her work. With impeccable grace and determination, Roma turned a simple dream into a formidable ballet company, her commitment to Ukrainian dance an inspiring example to aspiring dancers everywhere. Roma's ballet legacy wouldn't stop there. She understood that the role of a mentor was far-reaching and involved leaving a legacy that transcended her lifetime. She sought to guide, and shape not just one generation, but the generations that were to come. A new school, the Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Dance School in Kyiv, would emerge as a monument to this legacy, continuing her work in raising the standard of dance within her native Ukraine, and nurturing the seeds for future talents.
She had overcome adversity to stand on the world stage, but she made a decision to return home. Her decision wasn't a singular act, it was a lifelong dedication. It was through this dedication that she created not one, but two prestigious dance schools, providing Ukrainian talent with a solid base to thrive and shine. To me, her life is not merely a story about dance, it is an embodiment of the triumph of the human spirit, a reminder of what is possible when love, talent, and dedication coalesce. As an aspiring ballet dancer myself, her life story inspires me, motivates me to constantly work on myself and learn everything I can from my art and the masters who guide us, but it is the essence of Roma’s commitment to her homeland that makes her a timeless source of inspiration. This is the reason why her legacy, and her influence are far-reaching, leaving an unforgettable mark on the ballet world. This is a tale of triumph, one of sacrifice, one of sheer will, and of course, one that began with an intrinsic love for the art of ballet.
A Brief Look at the Highlights:
- Born in Kyiv in 1927, Roma started learning dance in the renowned Kyiv Opera Ballet school. Her passion and talent, even as a young girl, had a certain magnetism.
- The tumultuous times of World War II changed her life significantly, and it wasn't just Ukraine that underwent this upheaval, Roma, as a child of the time, found herself at the helm of an ever-changing reality. Dance became a constant in her life, something that never left her side.
- In the aftermath of war, at the age of sixteen, she received an invite to audition for the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet School in Moscow. This presented a challenging decision - a choice to stay close to home or venture forth for opportunities in the Soviet Ballet system.
- She opted for a chance to broaden her horizons, choosing the renowned training ground of the Bolshoi despite knowing it would require sacrifices, most notably that of being away from Ukraine. The school instilled within her, a love of classical ballet, something she cherished deeply. It became an indispensable element in the development of her ballet technique and the grounding of her artistry.
- In the heart of the Soviet ballet, Roma’s talent earned her accolades. It wasn't merely a personal achievement, it served as a testament to the strength of Ukrainian artists. She continued to nurture a desire to present Ukrainian art, but it remained unfulfilled, and this desire only grew stronger over time.
- An unexpected connection developed between Roma and Marius Petipa, the esteemed choreographer of the 19th century. It wasn't simply an artistic connection; it was an intellectual one that enabled Roma to glimpse into a broader world of ballet.
- She found herself attracted to the idea of the international ballet scene and its artistic offerings, she had begun to dream beyond her current environment. The pull was so strong that she decided to migrate to France. With her talent, her desire to excel and learn from the greatest names in the world, and her unbending commitment to dance, this decision felt right.
- Roma was fortunate to become part of the French National Ballet, it gave her exposure to the finest minds in ballet. The works of Balanchine, Serge Lifar, and Roland Petit were not just part of the curriculum, they became the language that enriched her vocabulary of dance.
- Years passed, Roma found herself becoming a significant name on the European stage, achieving success that many aspire to. It was during these times of triumph that she began to think of home. Her love for her country only strengthened and gave rise to a deep desire to go back and bring her knowledge back to the roots of her career. It was a journey that had led her to a far away land, yet it would culminate in the country that had shaped her life.
- In the 1980s, she decided to return to Ukraine, bringing back not only her accomplishments but her expertise, her vision. The Roma Pryma-Bohachevsky Ballet Studio, a place of nurturing young talent, was established in Kyiv, her love for her country, her art, all intertwined in a shared space where young aspiring ballet artists flourished.
- Her impact on the Ukrainian ballet was profound and had a deep impact. With a sense of responsibility, she went beyond her ballet studio, she helped establish a new dance school in her home city. It was through these endeavors that her legacy would be imprinted on the future of ballet in Ukraine, a legacy that transcends time and place.
- For a young dancer like myself, Roma’s story is more than a chapter in ballet history, it’s a roadmap that guides us. Roma's unwavering belief in herself and her homeland, coupled with her love for dance, makes her story a testament to the powerful, inspiring influence of ballet on humanity.
Some personal reflections:
- I see Roma's story as a beautiful ballet itself. Every chapter - her training, her international dance career, her return to Ukraine and her establishment of dance studios, is a beautifully choreographed sequence. I admire her tenacity. I find her commitment to her homeland to be admirable, as someone who is dedicated to their home in the face of many challenges, to return to their roots is an achievement few can achieve. I aspire to that strength and commitment to what I truly believe in, as it is Roma's story that continues to serve as a guide to the younger generation, that strength, to persevere. In every graceful leap she took, she challenged stereotypes. For me, she represents a significant figure in ballet, one that leaves behind an inspirational legacy, the strength that Roma possessed, that commitment is not a characteristic limited to the great names of dance history. That strength of conviction lies dormant within us, ready to burst forth. I know, from the depth of my own aspirations, from the hours I spend honing my craft, and my own love for ballet, Roma’s legacy and her story continue to inspire my dedication to the art form, her life's story serves as an eternal beacon for my own. She inspires every dancer who enters a studio and aspires to touch the sky through their movements, she is an unyielding beacon to all ballet lovers. Roma is not merely a ballerina, she is a symbol of courage, of perseverance, and of love, reminding us all, through her journey, that even amidst the trials of life, dance always serves as a refuge, as a haven. Her story reminds us that there is beauty even in the most unexpected places, that resilience can triumph in any climate, and most importantly, that home, the true meaning of home, lies within the hearts of those who cherish its essence.