Ukrainian dance couple who fled the war moves the jury with emotional performance on Holland’s Got Talent
Their story and execution deeply move the judges, who respond emotionally and rise for a standing ovation. “What a release,” Jamai Loman remarks as Vladyslav and Veronika embrace. Dan Karaty is equally impressed: “What’s so beautiful about performances like this is that it’s not even about the dancing. It’s about how connected you two are on stage. The partnership was everything—an absolute pleasure to watch.” Soundos El Ahmadi is also clearly touched. “You made me cry. I felt everything: the despair, the chaos, the emptiness, the grief,” she says through tears. “It was such a beautiful piece of art. I feel honored that you’re standing on this stage, so thank you.” Although it’s clear they are moving on to the next round, Dan makes the moment even more special by pressing the Golden Buzzer. “It’s not about yes or no. It’s about how big of a ‘yes’ I can give you,” he explains. “If you can turn something so terrible and ugly into something beautiful, that’s incredible.” Overwhelmed, Vladyslav and Veronika leap with joy, able to say only one thing: “Thank you.”
In a new episode of Holland’s Got Talent, dancers Vladyslav (28) and Veronika (26) take the stage. The couple fled Ukraine and uses their performance to share their personal story, creating an emotional atmosphere in the studio. Hand in hand, they appear before the judges and explain: “Today we want to perform our dance act. It’s about our story.” Their choreography is inspired by the first months of the war—how loved ones were lost and how they couldn’t stay close to each other. Veronika shares that she escaped by car with her parents and pets. “We had all our belongings with us and that was the only option. My whole world collapsed and you head into the unknown,” she says. Even before the dance begins, the judges are visibly moved. The couple explains that dance helped them through the difficult period and that they want to show how art can unite, inspire, and deliver an important message while still allowing them to enjoy performing.
