Ballet dancer Sergey Polunin has formally announced his decision to leave Russia, citing feelings of dislocation and the completion of his mission within the country. On his social media channels, Polunin described his soul as not being at peace, stating, "Душа не на месте. Спасибо за все что зделала для меня Россия. Приходит время и душа чувствует себя не там где должна быть. Давно мое время в России истекло как будто на данный момент я свою миссию здесь выполнил"—translated as, "My soul is not at peace. Thank you for everything Russia has done for me. There arrives a time when the soul feels it is not where it should be. It seems my time in Russia has long expired as if I have completed my mission here."
The 35-year-old dancer, originally from Kherson, Ukraine, expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received during his years in Russia, referring to the country as his home. He remarked, "Россия стала для меня Домом на многие годы" or "Russia has become my home for many years." Nonetheless, he noted the importance of moving on, emphasizing, "Надеюсь только на то чтобы душа была спокойна и на своем месте"—"I only hope for my soul to be at peace and where it belongs." Polunin's comments highlight the emotional toll of his experiences after years of intense dedication to his craft within Russian theatre.
Polunin has been a notable figure within the ballet community, having danced with prestigious companies, including the Royal Ballet and the Moscow Musical Theatre. He was appointed as the director of the Sevastopol Opera and Ballet Theatre from 2020 until recently, when he was informed of the new leadership change on December 11, marking the end of his official role there. Despite being recognized for his contributions, Polunin had previously faced personal challenges, citing threats against him and his family. This insecurity may have influenced his decision to leave as well.
Raised primarily within the framework of classical ballet, Polunin has had significant opportunity and acclaim. Born on November 20, 1989, he began his dance training upon moving with his mother to Kyiv and has built an international reputation since his early days. Notably, he has also been vocal about his political views, having favored the Russian side during various geopolitical tensions, which has drawn both praise and criticism.
Alongside his dance career, Polunin has continually highlighted his personal life, recently emphasizing his family. He is married to figure skating Olympic champion Elena Ilyinykh, and they have children together. This personal association adds another layer to his emotional connection to Russia, as it is where he has built his family life. Reflecting on the kindness of the Russian people, he assured followers of his relationship with his audience and the artistic community, praising their support throughout his career.
With much uncertainty surrounding his future, Polunin remains optimistic. He acknowledged the open-ended nature of his next steps, expressing, "пока неясно"—"for now unclear"—in his social media announcements. He hopes to explore new horizons where he and his family may find peace and satisfaction. Aware of the challenges they face, he nonetheless prioritizes family happiness and stability, reaffirming the importance of grounding for his creative spirit.
Polunin's departure marks both the conclusion of his significant role within Russian culture and the potential beginning of new opportunities elsewhere—contexts which resonate deeply within the ballet world's narrative. Looking forward, he appears committed to principles of kindness and support among individuals, which he signaled to his followers as they navigate the complex geopolitical terrain of dance and performance art.
