A star Ukrainian ballet dancer will provide the highlight of a show honouring the veterans of Albany next Thursday.

Anna Ksenyk, who trained at the Kyiv State Ballet School and has danced with the National Opera of Ukraine, will join students from the Albany Contemporary Dance and brilliant local pianist Adam Cook in a program of music and dance at the Albany Entertainment Centre’s Princess Royal Theatre on November 12.

Ksenyk, who is now based in Perth, will be at the heart of the event performing the critically acclaimed original ballet A Tree We Grew and she will also present the Dying Swan, from Swan Lake.

A Tree We Grew, by Ivan Tarakanov, is set during World War II and is a love story which blends a symphonic score with folk and choir music.

Building a new life in Australia has meant Ksenyk branching out in her career and she said she is now teaching ballet and Pilates as well as performing.

“Moving from full-time theatre employment to freelance work has brought uncertainty, but performing remains an essential part of who I am,” Ksenyk said.

“As a Ukrainian, taking part in a work about war carries particular personal meaning.

“My stepfather continues to serve as a military medic in Ukraine, and my mother, grandmother and brother spent much of the war in Kyiv.

“Although I now live in Australia, what is happening at home remains close to me.

“For me, this chapter is about continuing to grow as an artist while sharing my love of ballet with others.

“I’m looking forward to bringing that part of my story to audiences in Albany.”

Also on the program are original dance works choreographed by Sym Parr and Jessica Ruggera with students from Albany Contemporary Dance as well as the Albany Academy of Dance performing choreography by Akelina Lembo.

The evening, which is backed by the City of Albany, will also include a short tribute film and an interactive session celebrating Albany veterans.

A Tree We grew: A Dedication To Veterans is at Albany Entertainment Centre on November 12 at 7pm.