A Ukrainian Summer: where to go, what to do...
Voloshky organize second annual Performing Dance Academy in Pennsylvania
by Peggy Leiby and Ret Turner
LEHIGHTON, Pa. - Ukrainian folk dance will come alive for a new generation of dancers this summer in the mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania at the Voloshky Performing Dance Academy. Some 40 young people will be exposed to the finest that Ukrainian folk dance can offer, with instruction by highly regarded performers and teachers visiting from Ukraine.
The two-week camp, which is sponsored by the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Jenkintown, Pa., will run August 6-19, and will be an intensive, full-time program of classes in dance character, choreography and general technique, including ballet training. The camp will culminate with a performance by the academy participants at the Lehighton Ukrainian Festival on August 19.
As an adjunct to the academy there will be a two-day Instructors' Methodology Seminar. This seminar is for dance professionals looking to further their knowledge in Ukrainian dance and teaching techniques.
Returning as instructors this year are some of the top performers from Ukraine. Natalka Yumasheva is a lead soloist with the Virsky Ukrainian Dance Company of Kyiv. She has toured worldwide with the company, most recently in the United States. She has been honored with the prestigious title of National Artist of Ukraine. At the camp, her instructing duties will include ballet, barre and technique class.
Stepan Zabredowsky is an instructor at the National Cultural Institute in Kyiv and specializes in the methodology of teaching techniques for Ukrainian dance at the professional level. At the camp he will teach classes in character and choreography.
Victor Gyzeyev is a concertmaster with the Virsky Symphony Orchestra. Playing the accordion, he will provide musical accompaniment for all classes and performances. Last year he displayed amazing stamina, appearing capable of playing all day long. Through the August heat and lengthy sessions he always wore a smile and was a hit with the young dancers, who would gather around him in delight.
The first annual academy in 1999 proved to be an invaluable experience for the young dancers, who ranged in age from 8 to 18. These motivated youngsters, who hailed from all over the northeastern United States, came with previous training, and were prepared to work hard for two weeks. Many of them have already indicated that they want to return this year.
The various choreographies taught at the camp were technically difficult and artistically challenging. But the instructors' boundless energy and enthusiasm proved infectious, and the group was raised to a level that the students themselves didn't realize they were capable of attaining. Viewing the studio during any class, one would find the students held rapt, hanging on the teacher's every word and move. Even though all classes were conducted entirely in Ukrainian, those who didn't speak Ukrainian had no trouble following, proving the adage that dance is the universal language. The students thrived on the exhausting schedule of eight hours of classes daily, with the teachers and students seeming to feed off each other for inspiration and energy. (Photographs from the 1999 program can be seen on the website at www.voloshky.com.)
The academy will be held at the Ukrainian Homestead, located in the Pocono Mountains, a few hours' drive from Philadelphia and New York City. The Homestead, set in the hills near Lehighton, Pa., is a cross between a campground and a summer resort, and has a large swimming pool and recreational fields.
Based on a survey taken earlier this year to gauge the interest level, Voloshky expects full attendance for this summer's academy. Early registration is recommended to ensure a spot. Applicants must be at least 8 years old, and have a minimum of two years' dance experience. Classes will be arranged according to age and ability level.
The cost of the two-week academy is $500, which includes room and board. Deadline for registration is July 14, and a $50 deposit is required to hold the spot. The Instructor Methodology Seminar will take place on August 12-13 and will cost $165 (tuition only).
For more information, contact Luba Kalyta, (215) 969-1392, or e-mail [email protected].
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, May 7, 2000, No. 19, Vol. LXVIII
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