Unite for Ukraine, Sadler's Wells

As war continues to rage in Ukraine, more and more organisations are mobilising in support of the millions of people affected, including the growing numbers of refugees seeking safety in neighbouring countries and further afield, and the dance world is keen to play its part.

Following last month's Dance for Ukraine, a fundraiser that assembled a large number of professional dancers at the London Coliseum, young dance students from the UK's six major dance schools will perform in Unite for Ukraine, a special one-off gala at Sadler's Wells, proceeds from which will go towards victims of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Students from Central School of Ballet, Elmhurst Ballet School, English National Ballet School, Northern Ballet School, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and The Royal Ballet School will perform a range of classical and contemporary works. Full details of the programme and casting will be announced soon, but for now we know it will include excerpts from works by Sir Frederick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan's Sleeping Beauty, David Bintley's Scottish Dances, and Grace and Gravity by Andrew McNicol (pictured top).

United for Ukraine is directed by former Royal Ballet principal and current director of ENB School Viviana Durante, who describes the aim of the performance thus: 'We hope to use our art form to raise awareness of young people who have been adversely affected by the war and raise much-needed funds for the DEC Ukraine Appeal to help provide essential support for those in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.'

So, not only will this gala raise vital funds, but it will also provide a unique opportunity to assess the talent of the young dance students from a number of diverse institutions, among whom, surely, are some of the stars of the future.

All those involved have provided their services for free, and Sadler's Wells has offered use of the theatre.

All proceeds will be channelled through the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

— WATCH THIS SPACE FOR UPDATES ON THE PROGRAMME AND CAST —