The Ukrainian stage and theater world have suffered a heavy loss: Alexander Garbarchuk, a Merited Artist of Ukraine, soloist of the "Zhyttia" ballet, and one of the key participants in Ruslana's legendary performance at "Eurovision" 2004 in Istanbul, has passed away at the age of 45. It was his choreography and energy that helped the singer win first place with the song "Wild Dances," which became a symbol of Ukrainian culture on the international arena.
Struggle with Illness and Final Days
Alexander Garbarchuk passed away on July 21 after a long and difficult battle with stomach cancer. The diagnosis was made back in 2021. At that time, colleagues from the "Zhyttia" theater organized a fundraising campaign for his treatment, to which thousands of Ukrainians responded. Thanks to this support, the illness temporarily receded, but in June of this year, the dancer's condition deteriorated sharply — he was hospitalized and spent his final weeks in the hospital.
"My Close Friend" — Words from Ruslana
Ruslana herself announced Garbarchuk's death on her Instagram. "My close friend passed away tonight. This is a moment that is very hard to endure," the singer wrote. She emphasized that for her, Alexander was not just a colleague, but a person linked to her by years of friendship, joint concerts, and world tours. "No words can describe what he means to me," the artist added.
In her post, Ruslana shared an archival photo with the dancer taken during their joint performances. She remembered him as a sincere, talented, cheerful, and inspired person who will forever remain in the memory of his loved ones and colleagues.
A Loss for the "Zhyttia" Theater
Garbarchuk's death is an irreparable loss not only for Ruslana but for the entire "Zhyttia" ballet collective. In the theater's statement, it says: "Our Sasha — is gone. It is hard to believe and accept. He came to us as a very young man and grew into a true master, a soloist, without whom "Zhyttia" is hard to imagine".
Ruslana expressed her condolences to the deceased's family: "The pain is such that it is hard even to breathe right now. I sympathize with his wife Nade, children, brother, and the whole family." She also admitted that her mind refuses to accept what has happened, but one thing she knows for sure: "Sasha will always be in my heart. I will always imagine him next to me on stage".
Memory of the "Eurovision" Hero
Alexander Garbarchuk entered the history of Ukrainian culture as one of the creators of the visual image of the victory at "Eurovision"-2004. His dance, combining ethnic motifs and modern choreography, became the calling card of that performance. Today, his name is forever linked with the triumph of Ukrainian music and art on the European stage.
Colleagues, friends, and fans continue to share memories of him, emphasizing his professionalism, warmth, and unique talent. Alexander Garbarchuk has left us, but his contribution to the development of Ukrainian dance and music will remain eternal.
