‘Love will find a way.’: Photographer stunningly captures Ukrainian dancer’s tribute to homeland

“When I was contacted by Tamara to schedule a portrait session, she mentioned that she was here all by herself in the United States.

Upon hearing her beautiful accent I learned she was from Lviv, Ukraine and that she was also a professional rhythmic gymnast and contemporary/modern dancer.

At that moment I knew exactly what type of portrait session this needed to be.

I was able to find the perfect soft flowing fabric in the colors of the Ukrainian flag for her to dance with.

Together, we created Tamara’s tribute to her homeland.

Having just discovered that my great grandfather immigrated from Kyiv in 1906, this project takes on a whole new meaning for me.

With my own Ukrainian roots, I feel a new sense of honor and empowerment to be descended from such strong, courageous, and resilient people.

слава Україні ~ Glory To Ukraine

In the hopes that these images will inspire a reaction towards the greater good, we’ve set up a GoFundMe to assist a 6-year-old girl named Vlada who fled the war in Ukraine to Italy with nothing but the clothes on her back.

Although we can’t help every refugee, we can start by helping one and begin a domino effect of kindness and compassion.

Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water. It will make ripples throughout the entire pond.”

A dream is sweeter than honey. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors dancing — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Love will find a way. Indifference will find an excuse. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors bending forward — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

If the devil is powerless, send him a woman. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors bending to one side — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

With patience, it is possible to dig a well with a teaspoon. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors showing them off — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

The fear of death takes away from the simple joy of living. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors standing on one leg — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Every road has two directions. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors bending backwards — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Fire starts with sparks. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors jumping up — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

He that fears death may inhibit his entire life. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with ukraine colors on the ground — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Health is more important than wealth; good health is above wealth. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman jumping in the air with ukraine colors — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

It is easier to destroy than to build. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman showing ukraine colors — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Respect yourself, or no one else will respect you. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman meshing colors together — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Saying and doing are two things. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with the colors flowing being her — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

It is love that makes the world go round. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman holding out the colors — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Still waters run deep. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman's stern face with colors — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

What can’t be cured must be endured. – Ukrainian Proverb

colors held together behind the woman — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Wise men learn by other men’s mistakes; fools by their own. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman twirling the colors — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

You don’t really see the world if you only look through your own window. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with the ukraine colors around her — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Live one century – study one century. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman with the ukraine colors flying around — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

Luck always seems to be against the man who depends on it. – Ukrainian Proverb

woman dancing with ukraine colors — Courtesy of Marla Michele Must

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Marla Michele Must, MPP, Master Portrait Artist. Link to the GoFundMe here. You can follow Marla on Instagram, Facebook, and her website. Submit your story here, and be sure to subscribe to our best love stories here.

Read more stories from Marla here:

‘When will this nightmare ever stop?’: Photographer shares stunning portraits of senior before Oxford school shooting

Read more stories about Ukraine here:

‘Tonight, like every night, I got to kiss my boys goodnight and tuck them in. My heart breaks for the families who don’t get to.’: Mom reacts to recent attacks on Ukraine

‘He died as he lived, a hero in every sense of the word.’: Ukrainian-American man dies defending Kyiv from Russian attacks after lifetime of uniting forgotten kids with loving adoptive families

‘This photo gave me chills.’: Polish moms plant strollers at train station for Ukrainian mothers fleeing with their kids

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