Hero, Artist, Proud Ukrainian Ballerina, Choreographer, Ballet Teacher, Stockholm, Sweden

How to identify a hero? Although Ms. Eugenia Iashchuk moved to Sweden several years ago, she is Ukrainian at heart. As a four-year-old ballet student, Eugenia joined the prestigious Kharkiv Ballet School and danced with the company for 13 years. As an adult living in Stockholm, Ms. Iashchuk returned to Ukraine every summer to teach youngsters and give back to the Ukrainian ballet community.

Like many Ukrainians living abroad on February 24th, 2022, the day russia invaded peaceful and sovereign Ukraine, Ms. Eugenia Iashchuk was initially paralyzed with an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. Then, the texts poured in: "If we die tomorrow, we want you to know that you were a fantastic teacher”, her students in Kharkiv wrote.

How to identify a hero? After the initial shock subsided, countless protests later, Eugenia needed to do more. Like so many Ukrainians abroad, who were watching their homeland burning, Eugenia snapped into action. “A teacher to me, is someone who cares, someone who gives you an explanation of what is wrong and right in this life. The moment you step up, into a teacher’s role, you take responsibility for these children. So, when russia started bombing peaceful Ukrainian cities, I decided that I will do something! I called everyone I knew in the European ballet and artistic world. Could they take Ukrainian children in, I asked. How many? Could they also sponsor room and board for entire families? Many answered they could”.

Ms. Eugenia Lashchuk plotted and executed escape plans for her students in Kharkiv by single-handedly connecting with various European organizations and coordinating transport for mothers and children. Eugenia Iashchuk saved hundreds of families (she doesn’t know the exact number but almost a thousand people) from the terrors of russian invasion. How? Eugenia and her super-mom, who was directing on the ground in Kharkiv, mobilized countless volunteers, organized buses, cars and trains, in order to get these children to Lviv, and then onward to Europe. Eugenia knew that she was promising mothers a safe destination, but she coudn’t promise a safe journey out; nothing in war is guaranteed. Kharkiv is only 40 kilometers from the russian border and at the time, the enemy troops and bombs were pouring into the country. Today, nine months of war later, Kharkiv region remains a heat spot for the russian bombings, occupation, attacks on civilians as well as murder and rape of women and children.

How to identify a hero? Ms. Iashchuk and her mom, Tatiana, are examples of the unyielding Ukrainian willpower in the face of adversity. In order to spread awareness, build support and fundraise for the Ukrainian refugees in Sweden, they gave their accounts of the gargantuan evacuation effort and coordinating hundreds of families under pressure. A short Swedish documentary is called Ballerina from Kharkiv and I hope you watch it. Since the war started Ms. Iashchuk has attended weekly protests in Stockholm, to show a united Ukrainian front, she has been shouting about the injustices of the war on every medium, tirelessly pouring out her emotions out, sharing her story on Swedish TV. For this I am forever grateful, and respect her enormously.

Little Camilla speaks excitedly about the Swedish Easter witches, her love for cake, her new school in Stockholm and how different it is from Kharkiv; she then promptly runs off to play on a swing. I note pride and joy in Eugenia’s face. Camilla plays, adults reminisce about a time before the war and silently vow to do our part to hep Ukraine win. Both, the little Camilla and her mom, Ms. Natalia Petrova, appear in WOW Woman; they are incredible.

From the start of this war, I’ve been moved beyond words by the countless acts of Ukrainian bravery and perseverance. Even in the face of horrors brought by the war, Ukrainians move through the world with the incredible dignity, kindness and generosity of spirit. Many women I interviewed said: “We are unbreakable! We will persevere, rebuild and flourish!”

How to identify a hero? Find/talk to/welcome/advocate for/support a Ukrainian!

1. Name.

Eugenia Iashchuk.

2. Where is your hometown?

My home town is Kharkiv, Ukraine

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I’m a professional ballerina, in my very past, a choreographer and a ballet/dance teacher in my present, and a serious culture and art influencer in my close future!

4. What did you study in school?

I studied in two different schools in Ukraine, at the same time. In the ballet school from age 4 until I was 17-years-old and in a public school (middle/high) from age 7 to 17.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

Ohhh I love such questions! I’ll try to have a short answer for something that otherwise will run quite long. Ok, I’ll try.

I want to start by listing the wonderful people who made my life rich and full of love; I owe them a lot. Every one of them influenced me greatly in one way or another:

• Starting with the director of my ballet school in Kharkiv, where I studied from a young age, Natalia Alexandrovna.

• My trainer and life coach Igor Valentinovich and Natalia Viktorovna.

• My wonderful parents.

• My husband.

They made my journey really interesting, sometimes dramatically so, difficult, and rewarding. A journey to the stars, I would say. My personal philosophy in life is “Via est vita!” from Latin, “Life is a road.” I wholeheartedly agree.

I’m proud of many personal acts and collaborations throughout my life. I always try to help others, if I am able to. I’m proud for doing my very best to help Ukrainian kids escape Kharkiv when the war in Ukraine started. After organizing their escape I also tried to secure them study placements throughout Europe. I am proud to work for and volunteer my time to aid my country. I truly think it’s the right thing to do. There were many moments like that, to tell the truth.

Several other wonderfully brilliant memories of my life include the times when I

• entered my ballet school as a kid, for the first time,

• performed on stage, for the first time,

• kissed the boy for the first time at the summer camp in Ukraine,

• took part in my life coach’s training,

• created my first choreography,

• fell in a love,

• opened a Ukrainian ballet school in China,

• got married,

• evacuated children from Ukraine.

What did you do before the war, and why and how did you start helping Ukrainian women? Before the war I worked as a ballet teacher here in Stockholm and as a choreographer in different countries.

How and why did I help? Because I truly believe then if I didn’t step up, then who? Every single person can do something to help. Because I was a teacher for my students, I knew them and their families. To me it meant that I was responsible for them. When the war started, I realized that through the panic and chaos, all European Union leaders will be afraid of russia’s Putler and will not do much to protect Ukrainian children. I realized that it was my responsibility to try. Of course, I knew that I could not be able to save all; but at least I would be able to save some. I called and got in touch with all the contacts I knew in the artistic world. My goal was to send as many Ukrainian children into safety around the globe as possible.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

In my 20s I don’t really remember what I was thinking about!? But truthfully speaking, I’m from a poor family. We never owned a house or an apartment, there were not enough clothes for all of us, and sometimes even food. But I am very proud of what I have today in my life. What I have, I achieved myself. I know the real price of that achievement and success. I appreciate all the hard work and hardships I’ve gone through. They are all mine.

Many, or almost all, childhood dreams of mine became a reality; even better, my life now has exceeded all expectations. When I look back at my life, I can honestly say there are many stories, enough to fill not just one, but many books.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

There was many times like that. You never can understand how strong you are until something really bad happens and there is only one way out - to fight!

When I was a child, in my ballet school, there were several awful students who humiliated and insulted me every day, for many years. As it happened, teachers were on their side and closed their eyes to what was happening. What did I learn? This experience inspired and drove me to become a teacher myself; I wanted the youngsters to know what is real teacher should look and act like. I wanted to be a kind teacher.

From those negative experiences I also learned a valuable lesson in human nature: it is not just enough to be right about something because at the end of the day, the crowd will choose what is easier to support/believe and not necessarily what is morally right. The bottom line is, when you believe in something, even if it’s the, hard for others to swallow, truth, you have to fight to the end. To win, you really have to believe in yourself, even if everyone around you is convincing you of the opposite.

The next serious hit for me and my career happened at 20. I suffered a really serious trauma to the left knee. I was not able to walk for several months and doctors informed me that I couldn’t pursue dance. Come to think of it, I had many traumas in my life, health-related as well as mental knock-downs. Each time I fought to continue doing what I loved. In many cases the cards were stacked against me, but I’m proud that I never changed my principles.

So my advice is really simple: do what you love, do it with integrity, from the bottom of your heart. Do it until the end! Remain a good and kind person, even if you think not everyone may deserve your kindness. Time will be the only judge and will show who was right.

8. Advice for other women?

Hmmm, let me see: be a good person, be kind and open, do what you love, help others, life is a boomerang 100%. I also think it’s important to be thankful for everything you have, even in difficult circumstances. Time will pass and it will all become apparent, you will realize why things happened the way they did. Also love! Love everything and everyone around you! Its hard, I know; but it’s the only way. Finally, don’t wait, to say, to do, to act! Do it now, because tomorrow may be too late. Better to act, than do nothing.

9. Knowing what we know now in the current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I know that women are at the start and the beginning of it all. A woman is a mother of this wonderful universe. Only women can produce a miracle of life in its pure state. As a woman I’m proud and free. But there are thousands, if not millions, of women around the globe who can’t make that choice or be who they want to be; this is what’s wrong in our world.

I want changes to be made to empower women, include them in the conversation and in the decision-making. I visited many countries and spoke with many different people; unfortunately, the rules of the game are not the same for everyone in other places around the world.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

Being near the sea or ocean makes me feel magical and special; it makes me understand that I’m just a small drop in this crazy wonderful, always changing world! If someone had so much power to create all this beauty – then there must be a good plan!

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Chinese traditional painting style Guo Hua which I learned when I was in China. It was created by Chinese monks. It is quite old and really beautiful. I think it’s a blessing to be able to create. I have passion for learning languages. Swedish is my sixth language!

12. Have you travelled solo? If so, which were some of the most memorable destinations and why? Why do you travel and would you recommend it to women?

Yes, many times! Paris, I found the most interesting. It was my big dream, and I’m happy I finally experienced it. I was inspired by fashion and museums. Something special is in Paris.

Travelling gives you time to experience, witness, time to listen, to talk, to discover. You have a chance to evaluate later, to have a look back and realize what life is really about; you understand what you need from life. It’s a gift to be able to travel; if you get a chance to, do it!

13. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I want to be stronger, kinder, wiser. I have many goals and plans; most of them are about growing and understanding. I want to be useful in this world, I want to change many inequities. My father once told me “A warrior knows that one day she will die, but its doesn’t mean that she should give up now. It means she should walk her path now, with dignity and honor.”

14. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Many. Honestly.

15. What/who inspires you?

Mother nature; it is perfect! When I’m in nature, I am able to reflect on the world, and even get answers to the burning questions I’ve been wondering about.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I have hope in my abilities. I also hope that people will realize it’s like we are on a Titanic; the captain is desperately trying to save us all while we, humans, are just enjoying good wine and music.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? How did the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine change your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams

Interestingly, COVID pandemic and the war in my country haven’t fundamentally changed me. I definitely felt them as knocks and definitely experienced hard moments; but ultimately I wasn’t changed. I realize that the price of our win will be high. In the meantime, I try to appreciate what I do have in my life, and focus on the positives. I need to be positive in order to stay sane and to keep my head up, as we all continue to fight for our country.

As a teacher, I am constantly talking to the kids about what is right and what is wrong. To be able to speak in such absolutes, I myself always try to double check my facts, check-in with my own thoughts and principles. Only the future will tell if I’m changed by these big events in my life, but right now we are in the thick of it, and must keep going.

Ingredients to a good life? Well, definition of “good” varies greatly between individuals. But for me, good life mostly means focusing on, and being grateful for, the simple things I already possess:

• a safe and warm place to sleep

• availability of food to eat

• a human near me to hug, who loves me

• cats to wake up to in the morning

• my students, for whom I would give a piece of my soul

• nature to enjoy and

• ability to travel to many countries

What do you want the world to know and appreciate about Ukraine and Ukrainians? about Ukrainian Women?

Don’t you f*ing mess with Ukraine or Ukrainian women! I hope everyone knows this by now! I hope Ukrainian bravery will be taught as a subject in schools.

I want the world to know more about my homeland, Ukrainian traditions, Ukrainian people and my culture. And believe me, I do everything in my power to spread the word about Ukraine in Sweden.

I want the world to realize the price Ukrainians pay for you to enjoy your freedoms, your restful good-night sleep, an ability to relax with a cappuccino.

Ukrainian Women? They are Beautiful like angels, but can be as furious as demons (see first paragraph)!

18. What are (at least) three qualities you most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

My kindness, strength, compassion. Oh, and I can get drunk really easily! And when that happens, grab some popcorn because the show will be really interesting.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? What advice would your 14-year-old self give you in return?

I would say: “Jany, don’t be afraid, hit the balls!”. Also, don’t be afraid to hit back!

20. What are you reading now? (What books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

“Dune”, a novel by Frank Herbert. What an amazing book! I never gift books; something so personal should be chosen by the an individual. Personally, I love fantasy novels, classical literature and philosophy books.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, about why you admire them?

I don’t really have a WOW Woman who I think is 100% perfect. I am not about creating idols. Everyone is different and its ok, with flaws and all. In women, I appreciate courage, hard work and strength of character. I can nominate a few, yes, but they are super busy.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)

facebook and instagram (@ievgeniia_iashchuk_official)

1. Where were you when the attack took place? Did you believe in the possibility of the RF attacking key cities of Ukraine and continuing full-scale aggression?

I was in Stockholm, in Sweden. And no, I did not believe it would happen. I didn’t think they had enough resources or courage to do it.

2. What was your experience of the day the war started? Where did you go and what do you recall was your plan?

Honestly, it was hell. I woke up in the morning of February 24th, 2022 and realized that we were now in a new reality. We needed to find a way to not go crazy from stress, fear and worry. I spent entire day at home; crying and trying to make a plan, without having the slightest idea of what to do and where to start. Thank God I’m not the President of Ukraine!

3. How are your family and friends doing? How often are you in touch?

They are ok, for now. We speak almost every day if we have a chance to do so!

4. What are some ways you are supporting Ukraine now, from abroad?

I support my nation in many ways; but mainly through art and children education.

5. What do you want the world to know about Ukrainians during this difficult time?

I want the world to know that this is all happening to us for the first time, in recent-modern history - the war, invasion, occupation. We do and will make mistakes as we are figuring how to survive. I hope the world will understand.

We can’t do the right thing every single time, but we will try our best. Personally, I will try my best to always do a correct thing. Ukrainians, we are good people to whom a very bad thing happened. Russia attacked and invaded our country.

6. What will be the first thing you'll do when Ukraine wins?

I will open a bottle of champagne right away. Then, I will commence the plotting and scheming of how to rebuild my beautiful country and elevate our wonderful people. Longer goal will be to create a ballet for the Kharkiv Opera House.

Bonus Quick Round Qs:

1. What and who is worth suffering for? For sure, it’s not for your ex-boyfriend!

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you? A difficult question, not ready to answer it right now.

3. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days? I’m already doing it now. You know, having myself a peaceful and relaxing life (I’m kidding).

4. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be? Garfield the cat.

5. If you could relive one year in your life, which one would it be? 1991, because all I was thinking of then was foooooood!

6. What bothers you most about people? What do you love most about people? I’m bothered by greed, self-flattery and arrogance. I love kindness, strength and compassion in people.