In a snowy Kyiv, silhouettes weave through ice-laden alleys, drawn by the rhythm of music throbbing from a concrete building. Inside Closer, a well-known nightclub, a dim red glow lights up a packed crowd, the vibrant atmosphere a stark contrast to the dark realities outside. For many, this is a brief escape from the ongoing war with Russia—if only for a night.
Valeriia Shablii, who recently attended a celebration for Maslenytsia, a festival marking the arrival of spring, explains that events like this help maintain mental balance amid chaos. “It’s what helps to keep us sane,” she says, emphasizing the importance of community and connection even in difficult times.
Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine’s cultural scene has taken a huge hit. Many venues shut down, artists fled, and some joined the military. Yet, places like Closer have persevered. The club, which once closed at the onset of war, reopened after just eight months and has become a beacon of resilience, hosting weekly events.
Despite missile threats hovering like dark clouds, the crowd comes together to dance, offering solace from their daily struggles. “People are just really tired,” Shablii remarks, yet the dancefloor becomes an emotional refuge, allowing people to unwind and connect with friends. Rave culture, she notes, is deeply rooted in Ukraine’s urban landscape, morphing into a powerful symbol of resistance during these tumultuous years.
Historically, Ukraine’s electronic dance music scene has been tied to themes of freedom and resistance. After the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, a wave of independence ushered in a new era, allowing influences from Western cultures to flourish. Raves and music festivals became gathering spaces for expression, especially following the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution, when citizens protested against government corruption. Now, the stakes have shifted to a wartime struggle, with dancing as a means of coping and defiance.
Slava Lepsheiev, the founder of the cult Cxema parties, explains that the spirit of these events is about community and solidarity. “After the full-scale invasion, the vector of resistance changed,” he shares. “We get together and dance to stay strong.” The need for escapism has heightened; despite the pressures of war, maintaining joy is crucial.
In Kharkiv, a city just miles from the front lines, Anton Nazarko observes a surge of energy in their events. “The party has more energy,” he notes, reflecting how the dire circumstances have transformed the clubbing experience into something wildly vibrant. Ukrainian soldiers often attend these gatherings, celebrating life amid conflict. “They dance like it’s their last day,” he reflects.
Despite challenges, the essence of the club scene has adapted. Events often take place during the day due to curfews, but the spirit remains alive. New artists are emerging, encouraged by the need for local talent to fill gaps left by international acts not willing to tour amid war. Denys Yurchenko, an art director at a music production school in Kyiv, comments on the influx of fresh faces. “Young artists are inspired to experiment,” he says, showing that even in darkness, creativity finds a way to flourish.
Music production is also shifting. Label executives express their support through fundraising and promotional events, contributing to Ukraine’s wartime efforts. “It’s about resistance and helping our country,” notes Yurchenko, suggesting that even as they dance, they’re fighting back.
As this unique rave culture continues to evolve, its ability to unite and uplift becomes ever more vital. Closer nightclub stands as a testament to this resilience. “We are waiting for spring,” says Shablii, embodying the hope that clings to a nation in turmoil. The warmth of shared laughter and camaraderie continues to light up dark corners, keeping the spirit of unity alive.
