In a remarkable display of national spirit, Ukraine's beloved television show 'Tantsi z zirkamy' – the local version of 'Dancing with the Stars' – has returned for a powerful one-off special episode. This unique broadcast, recorded amidst the ongoing conflict, features Ukrainian wartime heroes as its central performers, channelling the nation's resilience into dance.
A Stage for Resilience and Recovery
The special episode, which aired on Sunday, 23rd December 2025, represents a poignant comeback for the show, which was a cherished part of pre-war popular culture. It is particularly notable that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, then an actor, won the competition in 2006, the year the show first debuted.
This time, the spotlight shines on public figures who have risen to prominence since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The performances are profoundly moving, with several dancers incorporating prosthetic limbs into their choreography, symbolising strength and the overcoming of immense adversity. All proceeds from the show are being directed to the Superhumans Center, a specialist clinic dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of those wounded in the war.
Defying Darkness: Production in Wartime
Producing the episode was a formidable challenge, a direct reflection of life in Ukraine today. A live broadcast was deemed impossible due to the constant threat of Russian attack. The production team faced frequent power outages and technical hurdles, including a key generator malfunctioning during the prerecording session last week.
Ukrainian rock musician Yevhen Halych, a participant, encapsulated the collective determination, stating the project was filmed in a country at war where air alerts and bombing are constant realities. "What do I feel? I feel a genuine desire to live a full life, no matter what happens," he said.
Among the standout performers was Ruslana Danilkina, a war veteran who lost her leg in combat in 2022. Now an advocate for injured troops at the Superhumans Center, her passionate routine, which artfully integrated her prosthetic limb, focused on reclaiming her womanhood and self-love after traumatic injury. "Because in reality, when your body is wounded, it’s very difficult to love yourself," she explained after her performance.
Dancing Towards a Future
The show also featured touching personal stories of renewal. Veteran Ivan Voinov and his wife Solomiia danced together for only the second time since his injury, the first being at their wedding just three months prior. Voinov is already planning their next dance, a bachata, seeing it as a symbol of hope. "It means that there is a future," he said.
Creative producer Volodymyr Zavadiuk, who heads Big Brave Events at 1+1 Media, emphasised the show's deeper significance. "It’s about our resilience and it’s about our future," he stated, highlighting how every segment was precious, created during the toughest of times.
Even the judging panel reflected the wartime context. Beloved professional dancer Dmytro Dikusar returned as a judge, juggling his filming commitments with service in his platoon on the front lines.
This special episode of Ukraine's 'Dancing with the Stars' transcends entertainment. It stands as a powerful testament to the unbreakable human spirit, using the universal language of dance to showcase courage, recovery, and an unwavering belief in life beyond the horrors of war.
