The ballet will continue.

And we believe it should.

Scheduled to perform in Abilene long before Russia invaded Ukraine, the Russian Ballet Theater will be here March 20.

People seem divided on this. Some put art before politics – where we think it should be. Others want to do something – anything – to protest Russia’s blatant incursion into its Democratic neighbor. They won’t go.

We are free to go or not. A right that Ukrainians are losing.

Some liquor stores have stopped carrying Russian products. Maybe you won’t buy Russian dressing at the grocery store.

Last week, the City of Abilene, when asked by the Reporter-News about the status of the tour halt here, confirmed that at that time the show would continue. Ballet patrons will determine whether they want to enjoy “Swan Lake” or stay away.

Continued:Letter from Pug Parris: Boycott the ballet

Continued:Russian Ballet Theater’s ‘Swan Lake’ still performing in Abilene later this month

If people were put off by the company’s title, the city was alerted on Friday that they have changed their name to RBT Ballet Theater for the duration of the tour. This is not to mislead people but, in our opinion, to make it clear that the company does not support what is happening in Ukraine.

“Team RBT announces the company name change for the remaining shows on tour in solidarity with our friends, family members and all who are hurting and fearful because of the decisions of a small group of monsters. .

Let’s not allow them to destroy a beautiful world and culture created by millions of brave and kind, intelligent and caring people around the world.

We dance for peace. We stand with Ukraine.”

Attending and celebrating the work of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the best of Russia would underline this mantra.

If this global catastrophe continues, will we boycott Abilene Ballet Theater’s production of “The Nutcracker” this fall? It is also a work of Tchaikovsky. How far are you going?

Some US governors have ordered sales of Russian-branded vodka to be stopped in state-run stores, which we don’t have in Texas. I quickly think of Stoli, but it’s produced in Latvia. Other products are made in the USA

Who is really hurt in this?

To protest against Russia at the next ballet is good. It is our right.

But targeting the dance company seems unfair. They quickly announced their support for Ukraine and highlighted its multinational cast.

The city avoided debate with its statement, but City Manager Robert Hanna, who is involved in the arts in Abilene, was candid in writing last week’s statement:

“Art is a reflection of the culture and values ​​of the place where it is created. Perhaps nowhere is artistic cultural expression seen better than in ballet, where the combination of music, dance and storytelling intertwine into something greater than the components. Art is a pathway to understanding and peace between two different cultures.”

Let’s welcome our guests to Abilene, show our appreciation for the troop during a difficult time, and show the unity we are capable of in Abilene.