30-year-old winner of So You Think You Can Dance dies while serving in Ukraine.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of dancer and choreographer, Volodymyr Rakov. At just 30 years old, he was tragically killed in action while serving on the frontline in Ukraine. Rakov, who rose to fame after winning season six of Ukraine's So You Think You Can Dance in 2013, had stayed on as a choreographer for the next two years, showcasing his immense talent and passion for dance.

According to reports from his friend Halyna Pekha and local outlets such as Kyiv Independent and United24media, Rakov was carrying out a mission with the 2nd Battalion of the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade on January 6th when the tragedy occurred. Hailing from Yevpatoria in Crimea, Rakov had joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2022, driven by the escalating war with Russia.

Aside from his work on So You Think You Can Dance, Rakov had also gained recognition for his performance in Foals' music video for their track "2am". He had also lent his talents as an assistant choreographer on Ukraine's Dancing with the Stars and had even appeared in the film Let's Dance! As part of the Wonder Crew, Rakov and his team had claimed victory in the 2018 World of Dance competition in Berlin.

In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, TV presenter Olga Freimut described Rakov as a "legend" and a "hero", reflecting on their friendship. She also thanked him for sacrificing his life for the sake of Ukraine, saying "You gave your life for the will of Ukraine. Thank you."

This devastating loss comes as a painful reminder of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. January marks almost three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with reports stating that over 51,000 guided aerial bombs have been launched by Russia since then. In a recent update, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that over 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives and over 370,000 have been injured in the war.

We at The Agency extend our deepest condolences to Rakov's loved ones and the entire dance community. If you have a story to share about Rakov or any other celebrity, please do not hesitate to reach out to our entertainment team. You can email us, call us, or visit our Submit Stuff page – we would be honored to hear from you.

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