Remember when we suggested you get some dancing shoes you’re okay with wearing out for when the Capital Ukrainian Festival returns July 20-22 with that huge selection of musicians who are eager to get you moving? Now, those unfamiliar with Ukrainian dance may be thinking to yourself just how do you fill that space in front of the main stage and get your groove going, anyway? Thankfully, the festival has brought in a bountiful bevy of inspiration in the form of nearly a dozen dance troupes to show you how it’s done! All you have to do is be amazed and maybe try and keep up.
Usually energetic with a lot of high-octane fast-paced feet, dance has been part of the rich Ukrainian tradition since at least the third millennium BC. When Christianity was introduced to the lands of present-day Ukraine in 988, dance became interlinked with ritual and prayer. Some of these early influences and themes survive today in Vesnianky (or Spring Dances).
It was around the time of the Kozak uprisings when social dances gained popularity utilizing two distinct characteristics that set them apart from the more religious themed movements. Firstly, these dances could be done to instrumentals, not just songs and, secondly, they relied on improvisation instead of more set motions. Also cherished are Ukrainian story dances. Using intricate pantomime, these tell tales through movement focusing on particular groups of people. These can include dances for the shoemakers, blacksmiths and reapers, for example.
If one person can be said to have fundamentally shifted the course of Ukrainian dance, it is composer and musicologist Vasyl Verkhovynets. He distinguished a way to write dances down on paper in an effort to record traditional steps from villages all over the country. This not only salvaged any traditions that may have been lost over time but it also gave generations to come something to study and keep alive in the dances we can now see today.
All of this rich dance history comes to Capital Ukrainian Festival stage this summer with performances by these vibrant groups. They showcase that the Ukrainian dance tradition is alive and most certainly kicking:
- Svitanok (Ottawa, Ontario): This is Ottawa’s only Ukrainian Dance community. Comprised of The Svitanok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Svitanok), and The Ottawa School of Ukrainian Dance (OSUD), the Svitanok Ukrainian Dance Society provides opportunities for professional training in the performance arts that promotes the renewal of Ukrainian character dance as a viable and developing art form on the Canadian dance scene. (First performance: Friday, July 20, 5:30 PM)
- Cheremshyna (Edmonton, Alberta): This group of dancers 14yrs and up is a performing ensemble based in Edmonton. Under direction of Mykola Kanevets, they have developed a prominent place in the Ukrainian dance community as they delight audiences with skills and professionalism far beyond what is expected of a junior group. (First performance: Friday, July 20, 5:50 PM)
- Rozmai (Winnipeg, Manitoba): Currently under the artistic direction of Gabriela Rehak, Rozmai has been sharing Ukrainian dance tradition since 1971. Their choreography gives sweeping samples of Steppes and some high velocity footwork to bring out the syncopated rhythms of Bukovyna and the breathtaking leaps from the Carpathian region. (First performance: Friday, July 20, 9:10 PM)
- Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir (Edmonton, Alberta): After many years of being a dance group, in 2008 Viter’s performances were further enhanced when a group of singers was formed to expand Viter from a dance group to an ensemble. The result is a group of choristers and musicians who interact with the dancers, creating an entertaining and harmonious blend of storytelling which is unique to Viter. (First performance: Friday, July 20, 8:20 PM)
- Desna (Toronto, Ontario): Under the direction of Virsky-trained Yuri & Luba Grekov, Desna presents technically demanding and exhilarating dances accented by exquisite costumes and diverse music. This celebration of movement creates a vibrant spectacle for all audiences to enjoy. (First performance: Saturday, July 21, 3:40 PM)
- Chaika Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Hamilton, Ontario): Fresh off celebrating their 60th Anniversary last year, the Chaika Performing Ensemble continues their six decades of dedication to Ukrainian folk song and dance. Comprised of 60 performs ranging from 4 – 60, this group is a multicultural mosaic that isn’t afraid to take a few risks with tradition having integrated ballet into their style. (First performance: Saturday, July 21, 12:20 PM)
- Barvinok Dance School (Mississauga, Ontario): Representing Canada and the Ukrainian community at various festivals around the world, the school has become recognized for its dancing excellence. The variety of regional dance styles and ornate costumes, combined with the energy of the performers themselves, create a thrilling spectacle on stage. (First performance: Saturday, July 21, 1:00 PM)
- Sche Raz (Dauphin, Manitoba): What started as a fun, social group of people from Manitoba with a want to learn a few Ukrainian dance steps has blossomed into Sche Raz, a 35+ adult group that brings their fun-loving sprite out in each performance. (First performance: Saturday, July 21, 2:30 PM)
- Lviv Dance Ensemble (Oshawa, Ontario): For over 40 years (now under the artistic directorship of Dr. Sally Shlapak), this senior dancer group presents a unique repertoire of folk, classical and character dance, reflective of the different regions of Ukraine. (First performance: Saturday, July 21, 11:10 AM)
- Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance (Toronto, Ontario): Evolving from humble beginnings in 1962, this group has emerged as a highly professional dance school with a goal to provide dancers and audience alike an experience that is exciting, inspirational, and educational while encouraging interest in Ukrainian dance and culture. (First performance: Saturday, July 21, 5:40 PM)
- Nasha Rodyna (Sudbury, Ontario): With a name meaning “our family”, Nasha Rodyna brings a friendly but disciplined approach to dance. Working with seamstresses in Ukraine, the group is set for a 3rd vibrant year dancing at the festival. (First performance: Sunday, July 22, 11:30 AM)
Okay, so you don’t really need to keep up with the frenetic feet of these dancers to have a good time (though, if you try, you’ll enjoy a pretty good work out) but we guarantee they’ll take your breath away. So, come on out and experience these traditions first hand (err…foot) and maybe, just maybe, pick up a few new steps to wow ‘em at your next party! The Capital Ukrainian Festival run July 20-22 at 952 Green Valley Crescent in Ottawa. For more information visit: http://www.ocuf.ca/