UDW NEWS
VOHON IN MOURNING
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Becky Kassian, a Vohon dancer of 6 years. Becky passed this weekend due to complications from her knee surgery. Becky was one of our most dedicated dancers: she sat on the board as our Treasurer; she helped instruct at the Edmonton School of Ukrainian Dance; and she never failed to attend and help with Vohon events. She also starred as “Baba Yaga” in Vohon’s production of Kolektsiya along with playing a huge role in all of the EUSD year-end shows. She made it known that Ukrainian dance held a very special place in her heart. Becky was a loved and valued member of our Vohon family and is deeply missed by all of us. Her warm spirit had an impact on our hearts; she was always a joy to have around. Her passing is a jarring shock to all of us and her absence will be felt for a very, very long time. At this time, we would like to pass along our thoughts, prayers, and love to her family and friends. Thank you for being a part of our family, Becky. You will never be forgotten. We love you so much. Вічная пам’ять (as shared by the Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble via FB)
SHAREABLE BORSCH
COULD CANADA BE THE NEXT VISAFREE DESTINATION FOR UKR AINIANS?
Canada – you’re next! That’s the message that Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko believes the Canadian government needs to hear. In the wake of Schengen Europe’s successful abolition of visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens, and in light of the recent implementation of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), the ambassador believes that visa-free travel to Canada is the next step. Despite Ukraine waiving visa requirements for Canadian citizens back in 2005, reciprocation from Canadian authorities has been a long time coming. “It seems to me that the visa-free regime with the European Union should push our Canadian friends to rethink this story,” he recently told media.
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Hold up, the emogi craze has gone to heads of those in Ukraine, who say forget the burger – we want the borsch! The country’s official Twitter account are hoping to create a pretty little picture you can all share that shows some love for everybody’s favourite beet soup. A spokesperson from the account says Ukrainians have enjoyed the “outstanding taste of beetroot, cabbage, potato, beans, and whatever else” for centuries, feeding famous poets, scientists and politicians just before making important discoveries. “Lots of poets, scientists and politicians have made a contribution to the world history after a hot bowl of borscht (true story!)” the spokesperson says. “We think this historical course should find its righteous place in a proud family of food emoji.” And we say, here here!
4 STRONG WINDS
The winds of change in Alberta’s teaching scene have been blowing strong this past year with lots of change. Calgary’s Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society is under the new leadership of Shane Gibson. Does he have the teeth? Get it? Zuby are teeth – Try-zuby! The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, while still under the artistic leadership of John Pichlyk, has new blood flowing through its veins. Paul Olijnyk and Tasha Orysiuk are the new creative directors while Joe Hoffman is the artistic associate. Viter Ukrainian Dancers are being led by the very capable Anna Kanavets. Let’s see which ways the wind blows with Anna at the front of the room. After many years with Zorianka, the charismatic Volodia Makarov has retired from teaching. What a great contribution he has made to Ukrainian dance over the years! Nyski Uklin to you!
HROMOV Y TSIA HAS A BALL IN SPAIN
The world is really your oyster for Ukrainian diaspora dance groups looking to get off the traditional tour circuit of Ukraine and explore other parts of the world. Such was the case with Chicago-based group Hromovytsia who blew audiences away in Spain this summer. Attracting guests such as the Ukrainian ambassador to Spain – Anatoliy Scherba to their shows, the Ukrainian diplomat made a point of recognising how performances such as these contribute to the larger effort of uniting Ukrainians all over the globe. The group couldn’t help but have a fabulous time dancing for locals in this tropical paradise, and yet as dancer Solomiya Chuyko reflects, one of the best things about this tour was the realisation that “to be Ukrainian in Chicago is to be Ukrainian in Spain.” Heritage after all, “defies geographic boundaries”.
UA FL AG IN SPACE
There’s a buzz going round Ukrainian social media at the moment regarding a Ukrainian flag. Not just any Ukrainian flag however, a Ukrainian flag found on the sleeve of an astronaut in the 2017 fantasy/sci-fi flick Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Opening scenes introduce the history of the fictional universe, including the construction of a giant space station. The arrival of a Ukrainian cosmonaut crew, led by a woman with the flag on her scene is what has viewers doing the skakalka. And why not? It’s about time Ukraine starting getting recognition for its great contributions to the space race. Molodets French director Luc Besson!
TOUR UKR AINE’S OPER A THEATRES AT HOME
KUNIS CALLS VISIT TO UKR AINE “HUMBLING”
Google Ukraine along with the country’s Ministry of Culture have joined forces to create a virtual 3D tour of Ukrainian opera houses within the Authentic Ukraine project. This project is a “virtual journey that allows one to get acquainted with the unique architecture of Ukrainian opera houses, peek around the curtains, feel the artistic spirit and atmosphere, and even visit those places usually closed to visitors,” reads the statement released on the official Google Ukraine blog. Google glasses are recommended to really soak up the atmosphere, though virtual tours of any Ukrainian opera theatre are also possible using a smartphone, tablet, or computer at theatres.authenticukraine.com.ua. So what are you waiting for – it’s time to go to the opera!
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kucher were in Ukraine this summer. Apparently, the two made a day-trip to Chernivtsi during a break in filming for Kunis’ new film The Spy Who Dumped Me on location in Budapest. As reports go, it was Kutcher who suggested they check out his wife’s country of birth, which Kunis said she would do only if her parents accompanied. “It was trippy,” she relayed. “There’s a part of you that wants to feel something” toward the place. “I had nothing.” What made matters worse was the woman now living in the house where she grew up would not let them in. “I knocked on the door... And [the owner] was like, ‘No!’ She did not care. I said, ‘I used to live here when I was little, my parents are here.’ She wouldn’t even open the door.” It’s plausible locals are still reeling from an interview she did in 2012 in which she recalled experiencing anti-Semitism while growing up. Or, perhaps she just caught the babushka living there now on a bad day. Either way, the Hollywood star, who emigrated with her parents and brother in 1991, called the whole experience “humbling”, and it’s unlikely she’ll be back any time soon.
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UKR AINIAN TR ADITION
L A N A N I CO L E N I L A N D
KOLYADA CAROL LIKE A UKRAINIAN Strolling, singing, and having fun on Old New Year’s Eve – that’s about the gist of this festive holiday tradition. But what does it take to have a successful kolyada? Well read on, dear friends, let us tell you.
One of the most famous kolyadka of all time is Shchedryk (by Mykola Leontovych)
Shchedryk, shchedryk, a shchedrivka [New Year’s carol]; A little swallow flew [into the household] and started to twitter, to summon the master: “Come out, come out, O master, look at the sheep pen, there the ewes have stumbled and the lambkins have been born Your goods are great, you will have a lot of money. If not money, then chaff: [ from all the grain you will harvest] you have a dark-eyebrowed [beautiful] wife.” Shchedryk, shchedryk, a shchedrivka, A little swallow flew.
The tradition of kolyada started in the pre-Christian era when songs were used for ritual purposes. Their content predominantly featured people’s belief systems and the way the world was structured. Christianity modified the content of kolyadky (traditional songs) to incorporate more of a religious take. As such, present-day kolyadky feature songs about the nativity and the birth of Jesus. HOW TO PL AN YOUR OWN KOLYADA
First, you’re going to need to gather a group of people and amongst you decide who is going to be the zvizdar (star bearer) – your fearless leader, and a mikhonosha (bag carrier) – the person who collects all the gifts (that’s right – gifts!). If you’ve got people who can actually sing, you’re already going great guns; throw in another couple who can play an instrument and you’re a full-fledged vertep! The mikhonosha has a very special job as the carollers’ bag is something very special indeed. In appreciation of the talents you and your fellow carollers bring, your hosts will likely pass along rather generous gifts. Under no circumstances should these gifts come into direct contact with the mikhonosha – rather, they go inside the bag, which can be decorated with embroidery or painted, and will most often feature symbols of the sun, moon, stars and/or a tree with birds.
for permission to sing. Should you get a positive response, your hats are removed out of respect and in dereference to any holy icons which might be present. Upon becoming acquainted with all in the house and learning everyone’s name, you might begin a series of songs individually designed for each member of the family. Upon completion of your carols, the zvizdar spins his star and wishes everyone luck and health in the coming year. In appreciation, your hosts will pass on usually a monetary gift to the mikhonosha. As needed, you should have a collection of jokes or gibes to ensure an appropriate level of generosity is maintained. Where applicable, you may threaten to upset the symbols of peace, comfort, and order by breaking the gates, flipping the house, or breaking the kiln. Likewise, disturbing the symbols of prosperity – breaking plates and pots or stealing the family cow and unscrewing its horns – is also an acceptable intimidation. Of course, this is all done in jest and with good humour, but should ensure a good stash upon departure! Having come to the end of your kolyada at this first house, it’s time to move on to house number two, and so it goes until you have visited every house in the neighbourhood. At the end of your rounds, the mikhonosha will divide up the loot among all the carollers and a big zabava is had by all.
KOLYADK Y AND YOUR HOS T
When your group first approaches a house, you will open with a carol summoning the occupants of the home. It’s a good idea to carry candles as you enter, symbolising the birth of light. Once inside, if your hosts decide to let you in that is, you need to ask 10
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All of us here at UDW The Magazine! would like to wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and prosperous Christmas and New Year season. May the spirit of peace and goodwill be with you as we leave behind 2017 and step into 2018!
UKR AINIAN C ALENDAR
November 16-19 11-12 UKR AINIAN FESTIVAL 11-12 November Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (St Petersburg, FL, US) Check event site for details www.facebook.com/events/531199220550641
12 ANNUAL UKR AINIAN DINNER AND HOLIDAY BAKE SALE 12 November St. Katherine Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Arden Hills, MN, US) Up to $20 www.facebook.com/events/176877062863004
13 PROTEST PUTIN’S SOFT POWER IN THE US 13 November Washington National Cathedral (Washington, DC, US) Free https://goo.gl/h7U8mB
14 HOLIDAY UKR AINIAN EGGS 14 November Telstar Regional Middle/High School (Bethel, ME, US) Tickets: $35 www.facebook.com/events/127410581280526
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CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD 16-19 November Chateau Louis Conference Centre (Edmonton, AB) vinok.ca/Vinok/Christmas Tickets: $40-$85
17 2ND ANNUAL FUNDR AISER FOR KIDS IN UKR AINE: STREAM OF HOPES 17 November Lucky Bastard Distillery (Saskatoon, SK) Tickets: $40 www.streamofhopes.ca UKR AINIAN DANCE WORKSHOP 17 November Global Learning Centre (Regina, SK) Tickets: Free www.facebook.com/events/1967847036809465 UKR AINIAN DINNER & BAZA AR 17 November Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (Calgary, AB) Tickets: $15 www.facebook.com/events/109528996469137
18 UKR AINIAN DISCO DANCE PART Y – ЗАПУСТИ 18 November The Beer Hunter Bar & Grill (Edmonton, AB) Tickets: $10 www.facebook.com/ events/161566441096946 OBZHYNK Y HARVEST FESTIVAL: P. A . BARVEENOK DANCERS 18 November Prince Albert Exhibition Association (Prince Albert, SK) Tickets: $15-$40 www.facebook.com/events/225183391351440
UKR AINIAN WEDDING FAIR 18 November Check site for details St. Basil’s Cultural Centre (Edmonton, AB) acuarts.ca/events SONIA’S SCHOOL OF UKR AINIAN DANCE 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBR ATION 18 November Brian King Centre (Warman, SK) Tickets: $10-$40 Dance.sonias@gmail.com
19 JULIAN K Y TAST Y: THE UKR AINIAN BANDUR A – A WORKSHOP & CONCERT 19 November Arts at the Armory Cafe (Somerville, MA, US) Tickets: $15 www.facebook.com/events/1901404416788988 WINTER IN THE CARPATHIANS 19 November Saint John The Baptist Orthodox Church (Bridgeport, CT, US) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/176228356289130 UKR AINIAN DINNER THEATER 19 November Anola Community Club (Anola, MB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/123592818350894
22 HOLODOMOR: VOICES OF SURVIVORS – HOLODOMOR GENOCIDE MEMORIAL 22 November Chapel Gallery (North Battleford, SK) Tickets: Free www.facebook.com/events/1907125209537796
24 HOLODOMOR CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL 2017 24 November Holodomor monument on Memorial Drive and Edmonton Trail (Calgary, AB) Tickets: Free www.facebook.com/events/1836109209752558 VARENYK Y DINNER 24 November Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Hall (Saskatoon, SK) Tickets: $6-$12 306 249 1672
25 HOLODOMOR COMMEMOR ATION 25 November St. Demetrius Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Toronto, ON) Tickets: Free www.facebook.com/events/1518994054853521 UKR AINIAN VILL AGE VOICE WORKSHOP 25 November ACUA (Edmonton, AB) Tickets: $15 -$20 www.facebook.com/events/376872726064382 UKR AINIAN NIGHT! 25 November Holy Family Parish Catholic Church (St Albert, AB) Tickets: $15 -$35 www.facebook.com/events/340630356398619
30 PANEL DISCUSSION: “COUNTING SHEEP” WITH SIMON OSTROVSK Y 30 November Ukrainian Museum (New York, NY, US) Tickets: $5 www.facebook.com/ events/449564742112478
A FESTIVE MOSAIC – UKR AINIAN MALE CHORUS OF EDMONTON 2 December McDougall United Church (Edmonton, AB) Tickets: $10-$20 www.facebook.com/events/352643598515001
December 1 THE SOUL OF UKR AINIAN YOGA WITH MIL A RYBAKOVA 1-3 December Ashtanga Yoga Studio (Norman, OK, US) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/139649673335245
CHRISTMAS TEA AND BAKE SALE 2 December St Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church (Saskatoon, SK) Tickets: $2-$3 306 374 9229
3 2 ST. JOSEPH’S CHRISTMAS MARKETPL ACE 2 December St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (Oakville, ON) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/1234443916631831
CALGARY UKR AINIAN CAROL FESTIVAL 2017 3 December Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church (Calgary AB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/163743960886374
7 UKR AINIAN BORSCH RED CAVIAR NIGHT 7 December D’Argenzio Winery (Santa Rose, CA, US) Tickets: $12 www.facebook.com/events/732098937171829
26 CHRISTMAS BAZA AR & LUNCHEON 26 November Ukrainian Seniors Centre (Sudbury, ON) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/133747877379608 BATURYN CONCERT MARCHING BAND 26 November Ivan Franko Homes (Mississauga, ON) Tickets: Free www.facebook.com/events/153941738543856
ACUA CHRISTMAS MARKET 2 December ACUA (Edmonton, AB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/750172675174604
8 UKR AINIAN CHRISTMAS BAZA AR 2 December St Michael’s Ukrainian Parish Hall (Nanaimo, BC) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/253967825127095
PRESENTATION OF TR ADITIONAL UKR AINIAN WOMEN’S WEAR 8 December St.Vladimir Institute (Toronto, ON) Tickets: $25 www.facebook.com/events/269958196858869
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БУМБОКС + THE ERISED 9 December The Opera House (Toronto, ON) Tickets: $70-$145 www.facebook.com/events/699616923570911 L AST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BLITZ 9 December Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium (Yorkton, SK) Tickets: $2 www.facebook.com/events/133289910625577 CR AFTING CHRISTMAS – MAL ANK A GOAT 9 December ACUA (Edmonton, AB) Tickets: $40-$50 www.facebook.com/events/119295768742944 UKR AINIAN CHRISTMAS BREAD WORKSHOP 9 December Kelowna Museums (Kelowna, BC) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/515259572149392
10 UKR AINIAN CHRISTMAS BUFFET 10 December The Berry Barn (Saskatoon, SK) Tickets: $18-$26 www.facebook.com/events/124763748212889
2017 NEW YORK CIT Y YALYNK A 16 December TUkrainian Instiute of America (New York, NY, US) Tickets: $35-$45 www.facebook.com/events/1753329008012983
SHUMK A PRESENTS CL AR A’S DREAM 15 December Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (Edmonton, AB) Tickets: $44-$59 www.facebook.com/events/134879803793955
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FAMILY MAL ANK A – A CELEBR ATION OF FAMILY 13 January St. Joseph’s Banquet & Conference Centre (Oakville, ON) Tickets: $335-$115 www.facebook.com/events/273936883100995
29-30 SHUMK A PRESENTS CLARA’S DREAM 29-30 December Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (Edmonton, AB) Tickets: $18-$80 www.shumka.com/shumka-nutcracker
31 СІМЕЙНИЙ “К АРПАТСЬКИЙ” НОВИЙ РІК 31 December Trident Banquet Hall (Toronto, ON) Tickets: $60-$115 www.facebook.com/events/508883592812542
January 6 AUSTIN TX UKR AINIANS RIZDVO 6 January Blackhawk Amenity Center (Austin, TX, US) Tickets: $5-$10 www.facebook.com/events/144461876300363
15 THE NUTCR ACKER WITH DONETSK BALLET AND STUDENTS FROM NDW 15 December Tohickon Middle School (Doylestown, PA, US Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/122641228424585
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12 MAL ANK A CELEBR ATION 2018 12 January Painted Hand Casino (Yorkton, SK) Tickets: $30 www.facebook.com/events/2031805640372557 TROYANDA DANCE GROUP MAL ANK A 12 January Victoria Inn (Brandon, MB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/1582345358479364
PL AST MAL ANK A 2018 13 January Fort Garry Place (Winnipeg, MB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/390787457937566 CYM MAL ANK A 2018 13 January Mississauga Convention Centre (Mississauga, ON) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/2138839412808312 MAL ANK A 13 January Regina Performing Arts Centre (Regina, SK) Tickets: $50 www.facebook.com/events/730446347148792 MAL ANK A! 13 January Westlock & District Community Hall (Westlock, AB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/ events/1804853733110933 SANDY L AKE HALL MAL ANK A 13 January Sandy Lake Hall (Sandy Lake, MB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/ events/133539100713321 YUNIST MAL ANK A SOCIAL 2018 13 January Ukrainian Labour Temple (Winnipeg, MB) Tickets: $10 www.facebook.com/ events/872153232951606
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14 VESNIVK A CHRISTMAS CONCERT 14 January Islington Untied Church (Toronto, ON) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/128071771234235
UKR AINIAN CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT 21 January Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph (Edmonton, AB) Donation 780 469 4890
MAL ANK A 2018 20 January St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church (Oakville, ON) Tickets: $140 www.facebook.com/events/749820661863537 RUSHYNYCHOK MAL ANK A 20 January TCU Place Call for details 306 374 0610 MAL ANK A IN SUPPORT OF CAMP SOKIL 20 January Ukrainian National Federation (Toronto, ON) Tickets: $130 www.facebook.com/events/313283359150792 2018 TORONTO PL AST MAL ANK A 20 January Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex (Toronto, ON) www.facebook.com/events/1386346181420187 MAL ANK A UKR AINIAN NEW YEAR’S CELEBR ATION 20 January Camrose Regional Exhibition (Camrose, AB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/141004073213328
ZABAVA UKR AINIAN PERFORMANCE DINE & DANCE 7 February Elk Point Allied Arts Center (Elk Point, AB) Tickets: $30-$50 www.facebook.com/events/461813454196629
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20 MONTREAL CYM-PL AST MAL ANK A 2018 20 January Le Chateaubriand (Montreal, QC) Tickets: $150-$170 www.facebook.com/events/863392493810664
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27 DESNA & SA UKR AINA MAL ANK A 27 January Renaissance by the Creek (Toronto, ON) Tickets: $80-$140 www.facebook.com/events/286960035152951 CYM CLEVEL AND DEBUTANTE BALL 2018 27 January Parma (OH) Tickets: $25-$65 www.facebook.com/events/126906094678174 CYM WINNIPEG MAL ANK A – 2018 27 January Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre (Winnipeg, MB) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/738293896370808
MY UKR AINIAN VALENTINE 10 February St Basil’s Cultural Centre (Edmonton, AB) Check site for details ukrainianmalechorus.ca
18 UKR AINIAN YOUTH FESTIVAL 18 February Living Arts Centre (Mississauga, ON) Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/304611090018510
22 LEMON BUCKET ORKESTR A 22 February Living Arts Centre (Mississauga, ON) Tickets: $30-$50 Check site for details www.facebook.com/events/308274332949465
25 THE YOUNG PERFORMERS SHOWCASE OF UKR AINIAN MUSIC 25 February Alberta College (Edmonton, AB Tickets: $5 Check site for details 780 469 4890
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TIPS TO TAKE TO HE AR T (OR TO YOUR TENDON)
• Floor Exercises for the Lower Leg If your warm-up includes a kolo, it’s important that your dancers’ feet and lower legs have had a chance to warm-up. Going straight into quick movements can be enough to end in injury. Begin class together in a circle, legs outstretched, and perform easy ankle circles in each direction. Slowly point the feet, articulating through the ball of the foot before the toes, and vise versa as you flex. Hold the flex in order to feel a light stretch of the Achilles and calf. Now you can begin your kolo with articulated walks and marches before skipping or galloping. • Take the Time to Stretch In between intense stretches of rehearsal, allow your dancers to stretch out their calves and Achilles tendons. The lower leg is put through major contraction in Ukrainian dance especially, and needs time to elongate before jumping back into it! • Outside Factors to Consider Hard surfaces are hard on the body. If your club does not hold classes in a room with a sprung floor, you may need to modify how much impact you put on your dancers each class. It is even more important to warm up and stretch properly in these conditions. Slippers and some styles of character shoes have an elastic cord that is used to tighten the shoe. Be sure that they are not so tight that a line is left across the Achilles. This pressure itself is enough to cause tendonitis. UDW The Magazine!
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OUR YE AR IN UKR AINE
A YEAR TO REMEMBER
K AITLIN VIT T
Ten months, seven recruits, five cities. This is Our Year in Ukraine.
Beginning 1 September, myself and six other dancers from Canada and the US embarked on a journey in Ukraine that has us dancing every day, learning the Ukrainian language, and generally soaking up the Ukrainian culture. Having started in Kyiv, we will continue on to Lviv, Kropyvnytsky, Chernivtsi, and Lutsk. Some say it is a dream come true. For me, I never knew anything like this was possible, so it never had a chance to enter my dreams. For me, this experience has so far been unbelievable. THE PROGRAMME
I started Ukrainian dancing when I was five. It got me interested in Ukrainian music, history, and language, and I’ve spent many hours since
then learning about them. But it’s always been on the side, a way to escape school or work. I may not have dreamt about this opportunity, but this yearlong immersion program is happening, and it’s all thanks to Cobblestone Freeway Tours and Ukrainian Dance World. Living in Ukraine for 10 months, dancing, speaking, and eating up the culture, we move to a new city every two months. First stop: Kyiv and the Virsky studio, training with the group that will audition for the company in the spring. Other cities include Lviv to train with Yunist, Chernivtsi with the Bukovinian Honoured Academic Song and Dance Ensemble, Lutsk with the Volyn State Academic Folk Choir, and Kropivnitsky with Prolisok. We take Ukrainian language lessons twice
Follow our adventures on the official Facebook page Our Year in Ukraine, Hannah’s blog www.hanwrittennoteswordpress.com, and my blog www.kaitlinvitt.com/Ukraine 18
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per week and go on excursions when we can. We’ve already been to Kaniv to see the Taras Shevchenko National Preserve, Pyrohovo Open Air Museum of Ukrainian Folk Architecture, and Chernobyl to learn about the accident and its aftermath. We haven’t been here long, but already the memories are countless – from the first nerveracking day at studio, to attending a Virsky performance with dancers we see every day and already know by name and can call friends, to learning just how great – and quirky – Ukraine really is.
MEET THE DANCERS
Hannah Picklyk
22-years old Anola, MB, Canada What better introduction to a country than living in it for 10 months? Hannah couldn’t think of a better option, so she packed up her clothes, dance shoes, and craft supplies to settle into the country her ancestors called home. Hannah grew up dancing with the Selo Ukrainian Dancers, where she now instructs. Earlier this spring she graduated with a bachelor of science, but wasn’t sure of the next step so decided to take the immersion program opportunity when it came up. At the start of our journey, I remember Hannah saying she felt like her heart was complete, as perhaps there was a small void waiting to be filled by visiting Ukraine.
Mikayla Buss
18-years old Beausejour, MB, Canada If you’re ever in Ukraine, Mikayla will happily cook you dinner – but she may not know what she’s serving. She says not knowing Ukrainian is one of the most difficult things about living in Ukraine. (Plus here in Kyiv, people often speak Russian.) “We use the language everywhere – at dance, at restaurants, and of course while buying groceries. But we’re all slowly learning, and although it’s challenging, it’s worth it.” Mikayla dances with Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and instructs with Selkirk and District Ukrainian School of Dance, and says studying Ukrainian dance in its country of origin is “magical.”
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Kaitlyn Kruk
21-years old Vancouver, BC, Canada Kaitlyn, a unit coordinator at Vancouver General Hospital, dances with the Kvitka Ukrainian School of Dance and is the artistic director of the Yevshan Ukrainian Dance School in Abbotsford, BC. This is her second time in Ukraine, and she says she’s ready to become the folklore master she’s long dreamed of. So far, she says Kyiv reminds her of Vancouver – except here she has to get used to air drying her clothes.
Roman Mykyta
21-years old Crofton, MD, US If he’s not in dance class, he’s watching dance videos, attending dance performances, or going over dance moves on the walk home while stopped at a streetlight. Roman is our in-house Virsky expert, recalling which dancer was in which dance in which year during which show. He’s looked up to Virsky since he was two, when his dido showed him the company’s Spirit of Ukraine video. Roman dances with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland and the Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble from Northeastern Pennsylvania. He dreams of creating his own folk-ballet company when he returns to the States.
Savannah Geier
18-years old Galahad, AB, Canada Savannah dances with Sopilka School of Ukrainian Dance in Vegreville, and wants to dance for an ensemble and eventually instruct when she returns to Canada. Studying dance in Ukraine allows her to get the knowledge behind the steps from the source itself, which she says is important when passing information to younger generations. So what has this small-town girl learned from big-city living? “When thrown into a new environment, you have to put any inhibitions aside, whether it’s at dance practice, at language lessons, or while asking directions on the street. ‘Have no fear!’” she says.
Kaitlin Vitt
Natalya Shevchuk
18-years old Battleford, SK, Canada Natalya had her life all planned out: after graduating high school, she was going to go to university and eventually become a dentist. But when there’s an opportunity that allows you to immerse yourself in what you love – Ukrainian dance and culture – you take it. Natalya dances with Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble in Saskatoon, and, like Mikayla and Savannah, had previously participated in the Cobblestone Freeway Virsky Spring Training. In this, her third trip to Ukraine, Natalya looks forward to learning more about her culture and bringing this knowledge home to preserve Ukrainian history and tradition.
24-years old St Andrew’s MB, Canada “I dance with Selkirk’s Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. In 2015 I earned a bachelor of science, and journalism diploma earlier this spring. I didn’t have any set plans after graduation; rather, I wanted to travel and learn more about Ukrainian culture. So here we are today. I look forward to learning the history and folklore behind dances, improving my dance skills, and finding inspiration for both choreography and writing.” UDW The Magazine!
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COS TUMES AND COMPETITIONS
UDW The Magazine! ran two fabulous competitions this year for some absolutely amazing prizes, and it’s time to announce the winners!
TWO GREAT COMPETITIONS WITH UDW THE MAGAZINE! RUNNER- UP Ukrainian Tricks & Treats On Film had ladies and gents alike sending us some fabulous pics of tricks caught on film. We wanted your best jump, turn, trick, or treat and you delivered. There were so many super photos to choose from we wanted to share a collection of our faves here with you.
Adriana Wasylyk from Desna in Toronto, ON, had someone on the ball at Bloor Fest who caught this super shot of those tricky jumping renversés. Adriana – you’re our winner of a bottle of High Stick Vodka!
FIRST PRIZE The big prize for this competition has to go to Cole Chorney with Yevshan in Saskatoon, SK, with some pretty stellar splits. Cole is the winner of custom-made Hopachok footwear from Postmark Ukraine!
UDW The Magazine! wants to congratulate all winners! Thanks to everyone for your participation this year and good luck in 2018! 32
UDW The Magazine!