Road to the Grand Prix: how USUST triumphed at ‘Student Spring 2026’.

The Grand Prix awarded to the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies at the Student Spring 2026 city festival on 19 May 2026 was the result of the outstanding collaborative efforts of the university’s students, creative ensembles, and the team of the USUST Centre for Culture, Arts, and Public Relations Media. The university’s competition programme evolved into a cohesive theatrical performance that combined creativity, sport, modern student life, and a deep appreciation for the home city. The achievements of the USUST team were highly recognised not only by the festival jury but also by the city authorities and the university leadership, who honoured the participants with certificates of merit and letters of appreciation.
 
This year’s festival was held under the theme ‘Rhythms of  Dnipro’. USUST presented its own interpretation of this concept, portraying Dnipro as a city of youth, opportunity, and dreams. The central symbol of the performance was a modern low-floor tram, which served as a unifying element, connecting every artistic act into a single narrative journey, from the opening scene to the final appearance of all participants on stage.
 
The journey began with a promotional video filmed on 3 May, immediately after the Sakura Fest celebrations. Instead of choosing a traditional studio setting, director Oksana Radzimovska chose the open space of the stadium, where a large-scale flash mob brought together students from all USUST  institutes as well as the Faculty of Military Training. The video was filmed by Oleh Rodionov, while the choreography for the flash mob was created by Zlata Bohomaz.
 
The performance opened with members of the comedy team ‘Predatory Birds’ from the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture’. Through a stand-up comedy performance, they set the tone for the entire programme and invited the audience to embark on a symbolic tram journey toward students’ dreams.

The first stop ‘Studentska’  showcased the talents of the contemporary dance studio ‘Just Dance’, alongside the dance groups ‘Yeiforiia’ and ‘Rhythmix Team’ from the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’. Contemporary choreography, Ukrainian cultural motifs, and elements of K-pop were woven into a single performance, highlighting the diversity and creativity of USUST student community.

The ‘Zirkova’ stop featured a vocal performance by Mariia Shvachkina and Kseniia Fedorova, students of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture’. Performing in both Ukrainian and French, the duet captivated the audience with a heartfelt musical performance.

USUST strong sporting tradition was reflected at the ‘Championska’ stop. The audience enjoyed performances by Daniela Chebotarova, a champion and World University Games gold medallist from the SEI  ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports’; the Exclusive cheerleading team led by Diana Zinchenko; and the dance duo Alina Lehka and Kostiantyn Siedniev from the SEI ‘Ukrainian State University of Chemical Technology’. Together, their performances vividly demonstrated the successful fusion of sport, artistic expression, and stage performance.

One of the most moving moments of the programme was the ‘Peremozhna’  stop. Accompanied by Kvitka Cisyk’s iconic song Cheremshyna, dancers from the ‘Just Dance’ studio and cadets of the Faculty of Military Training of the State Special Transport Service conveyed, through dance, the story of a love tested by war. The emotional impact of the performance was further enhanced by video footage showing real-life reunions of Ukrainian service members with their beloved ones.

The final destination of the symbolic journey was Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies – ‘Dream’ stop. The audience was addressed via video message by Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Olympic champion and USUST student. In her address, she encouraged young people to dream boldly, work persistently towards their goals, and never give up on their aspirations. In response, hundreds of mobile phone flashlights illuminated the auditorium, creating a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and support.
 
The programme concluded with ‘Together we are stronger’, the anthem of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies. As the anthem played, all members of the creative team, representatives of the university’s educational and scientific institutes, artistic ensembles, and the Centre for Culture and Arts went to the stage. This memorable finale became a fitting testament to the idea that success is achieved through collaboration, mutual support, and unity.

The outstanding creative achievements of USUST students were also recognised at the city level. On 24 June 2026, during the 82nd regular session of the Dnipro City Council, participants of the ‘Student Spring 2026’ festival were formally presented with certificates of recognition for their successful performance in the city’s largest annual student amateur arts competition.

On 29 June 2026, the Hall of the Academic Council at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies hosted a ceremonial awards presentation honouring the members of the University’s creative team whose performance earned USUST  the Grand Prix of the ‘Student Spring 2026’ festival.
 
Letters of appreciation from the rector were presented to the leadership and members of the USUST Centre for Culture and Arts and Public Relations Media, creative ensembles, students, and everyone who contributed to the preparation of the competition programme. The awards recognised their participation in the city festival, their teamwork and effective creative collaboration with the Centre for Culture, Arts and Public Relations Media, their contribution to the development of the University’s cultural life, and their significant role in securing USUST’s highest achievement at the festival – the Grand Prix.
USUST expresses its  gratitude to every member of the creative team for their talent, inspiration, dedication, and collaborative spirit, which made this year’s ‘Student Spring ‘another remarkable chapter in the university’s history.
 
The Grand Prix of the ‘Student Spring 2026’ festival stands as a recognition of the outstanding creative potential of USUST students and serves as further evidence that the university brings together talented, proactive, and committed individuals. As the organisers of the creative programme  stated, ‘Our greatest victory is our unity. Together we are stronger. Together we can achieve more!’
 
More photos  are available via the link.