Ukrainians in Texas showcase their culture at Folklife Festival (07/25/04)

Ukrainians in Texas showcase their culture at Folklife Festival

by Steve Sokolyk

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The Ukrainian presence in Texas continues to increase as manifested recently by the Ukrainian representation at the 2004 Texas Folklife Festival on June 10-13. The tens of thousands of visitors were once again treated to the flashy costumes, exciting dances and lively music of not one, but two Ukrainian ensembles.

For more than 20 years the Zorya Ukrainian Dancers of Dallas have brought their brand of kozak entertainment to the festival. This year they gave four performances with two entirely different repertoires.

The group debuted "Dubotanets" from Ternopil, as well as a women's dance from Bukovyna, the latter taught by Luba Brewster, an experienced dancer originally from Kyiv.

One show featured a Hutsul suite, and the other was climaxed by a Poltava suite with a sword dance and the Hopak. The 10 juniors and 14 senior dancers - one of whom is almost 70 - were enthusiastically received by the crowds.

Texas Ukrainians were also fortunate to meet two Ukrainian soldiers studying English at the Defense Language Institute at Lackland Air Force Base.

The Zorya troupe has been the centerpiece of the Dallas-area Ukrainian community for many years. It has drawn many members without Ukrainian connections who simply fell in love with Ukrainian dance and culture. It currently is directed by the father-daughter combination of Andrew and Larissa Chobany.

Making their first appearance at the annual Texas Folklife Festival were the Zhuravli Ukrainian Dancers of Houston under the direction of the Martha Uschak-Noukas, assisted by Erik Heymann. This 21-member group, whose dancers range in age from 11 to 23, is to be commended for the large number of "Fourth Wave" immigrants who populate its ranks.

They, too, came with an extensive repertoire, presenting two completely different, fast-paced shows. The variety of dances was great, from a traditional Kozachok to a women's dance accompanied by bandura to a fascinating tango. Perhaps the most popular number was a humorous dance performed by an incredibly expressive and talented brother-sister duo.

Ukrainian Texans are proud to have two exciting dance ensembles helping to entertain and, at the same time, educate fellow Texans. They are also an excellent vehicle to pass Ukrainian traditions and culture onto succeeding generations.

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