Biography
Photo by Juan Pablo Zapata
Early Life
Andrii Ishchuk was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Following his mother’s suggestion, he began ballet at the age of four in 2002 at the Kharkiv Ballet School. Though he briefly explored various activities—from football and chess to painting and music—it was ballet that seized his focus and became his passion. His talent quickly distinguished him, earning him lead roles in the school’s repertoire, including Cinderella, Snowdrop and Pinocchio. From a young age, he captivated audiences worldwide, touring with these productions to Spain, Portugal, and China, where he showcased his impressive skills and dedication to the art. After 11 years of dedicated training, Andrii graduated from the school in June 2013.
While a student, he earned multiple top awards, including:
- First Place at the International Junior Ballet Competition “Little Stars” (Bulgaria, 2009)
- First Place at the International Youth Ballet Competition “Crystal Shoe” (Ukraine, 2009 and 2011)
“Going to the US was very difficult. I didn't know English at all and it basically felt like I was sent to the moon. Later it got better and I started to like it.”
2013-
New Chapter in New York
In September 2013, seeking a more professional and challenging environment, Andrii proactively submitted performance videos to major ballet schools across the world. This initiative paid off, earning him a coveted scholarship to the Ellison Ballet Training Program in the United States. Under the visionary direction of Edward Ellison, he intensely refined his technique and artistry, performing virtuosic and demanding roles such as the Prince in The Nutcracker and the Albrecht in the Giselle pas de deux. After graduating with honors in 2016, he achieved significant recognition: winning the first place award at the Youth American Grand Prix and receiving an invitation to the world-renowned American Ballet Theatre.
2016-
American Ballet Theatre
Andrii’s ABT journey began in September 2016 with acceptance into the prestigious ABT Studio Company—a selective opportunity for exceptionally talented young artists. His remarkable artistry stood out, leading to a swift promotion: he was named an apprentice in the Main Company in November 2017 and officially joined the Corps de Ballet in January 2018. As a member of ABT’s main company, Andrii has taken on significant dramatic roles such as Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Espada in Don Quixote, Hilarion in Giselle, Prince Gremin in Onegin, Paris in Romeo and Juliet, and many more. His versatility is further demonstrated by featured roles in contemporary pieces, including Bernstein in a Bubble, Deuce Coupe, Petite Mort, and Songs of Bukovina. His portrayals are consistently celebrated for their technical brilliance and dramatic nuance.
2020-
Beyond the Theater
In the Spring of 2020, during the period of lockdown due to COVID-19, Andrii completed a series of courses on the ABT National Training Curriculum, becoming a certified teacher for ages Pre-professional to level 3. He has then been invited to teach as a Guest Teacher at Valentina’s School of Ballet. Andrii has also been invited to dance at the Greenwich Ballet School to perform principal roles such as the Cavalier in the Nutcracker. He has also frequently participated in multiple galas, performing alongside Principal Dancers of ABT.
Major Performance Venues
Andrii’s artistry has graced some of the world’s most respected stages. Internationally, he has captivated audiences in Hong Kong and Singapore. In the United States, his performances span a long list of iconic venues, including the Metropolitan Opera House (New York), the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), and the Auditorium Theatre (Chicago). His extensive U.S. performance roster also includes David H. Koch Theater (NY), the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (CA), the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (CA), the Detroit Opera House (MI), the Lied Center for Performing Arts (NE), Harris Theater (IL), Wolf Trap (VA), and Hancher Auditorium (IA).