Ukrainian 'So You Think You Can Dance' Winner Killed in Action

Volodymyr Rakov, 30, a celebrated dancer, choreographer, and winner of Ukraine’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ was killed in action on January 6 while carrying out a combat mission on the frontline, Detector media reported on January 9.

The news was confirmed by his colleague and friend Halyna Pekha, as well as New Channel Ukraine.

Rakov, a native of Yevpatoria in Crimea, joined Ukraine’s Armed Forces in 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion.

He served with the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo.

In 2013, he won Season 6 of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (Ukraine) and worked as a choreographer for the subsequent two seasons.

In 2018, he claimed victory at the World of Dance competition in Berlin as part of the Wonder Crew team.

Additionally, Rakov contributed as an assistant choreographer for Ukraine’s version of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and performed in the Ukrainian dance film ‘Let’s Dance!’

Earlier, Ukrainian musician and drummer Mykola Sostin, known as Amorth and renowned for his role in the legendary black metal band Drudkh, was killed in action while defending Ukraine from the Russian invasion.