THE NEWS FROM HERE (09/05/04)

THE NEWS FROM HERE

This week's installment of "The News from Here" reflects the ever-expanding contacts between Ukrainians in the diaspora and Ukrainians from Ukraine.

First, from Saskatoon, comes news of the fulfillment of a young Ukrainian Canadian woman's dream: dancing with the famed Virsky dance ensemble of Ukraine.

Then, from New York City, comes news of a new endeavor that aims to help immigrants from Ukraine adjust to life in a new country and to learn the English language. Most recently, the program also took a step in another direction: instituting courses of Ukrainian for Ukrainian Americans.

SASKATOON: Dancer earns a spot with Virsky troupe

In September 2003 Lana Kubin traveled to Ukraine to dance with the Virsky Ensemble, a Ukrainian dance troupe that many consider one of the best. From the beginning Ms. Kubin knew that hard work awaited her in Ukraine - both to earn a spot in Virsky, and how to make a life in Ukraine.

Ms. Kubin's dancing career began with her first ballet classes at the age of 5 at Lusia Pavlychenko's Saskatoon School of Ballet, now called School of Dance, according to The Star Phoenix. Ms. Kubin enjoyed dancing so much that she took jazz and tap lessons as well. Not until Ms. Kubin was 12 years old, however, did she begin Ukrainian dancing.

Ms. Kubin shared her feelings about Ukrainian dance with The Star Phoenix: "It's so unlike any other dance form. You fall in love with it." Ms. Kubin pursued her passion and became involved with the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble in Canada. While the troupe was in Ukraine in July 2003 on a performance trip the dancers had a workshop with Virsky. Ms. Kubin then shared with Pavlychenko's artistic director, Serhij Koroliuk, her desire to one day return to Ukraine and live there for a time. After he told her that she had a future as a dancer, she auditioned for Virsky Ensemble.

Virsky Ensemble Director Myroslav Vantukh finally informed Mr. Koroliuk that Ms. Kubin was accepted to the Virsky Ensemble on a probational basis - she had a great amount of dance ensemble repertoire to master before being given a spot in the highly competitive group, of which Ms. Kubin was well aware. "One learns early on that you'd better know what you're doing because there is a line-up of people to take your place if you don't," she said.

The Ukrainian dancing that she learned in Canada differed from that taught in Ukraine, but with studio classes Ms. Kubin was able to dance with the ensemble.

Not only has Ms. Kubin learned more about Ukrainian dancing, she has also learned the Ukrainian way of life. She first discovered that most people do not speak Ukrainian, but Russian. Her first successful solo trip to the bazaar to buy groceries excited her, though it seemed commonplace to her dormmates. The native Canadian's trip to the "dirty, loud, overcrowded" market helped her realize how "spoiled" she and others are in Canada.

Ms. Kubin has enjoyed living and dancing in Ukraine where, she said, "there is a spirit ... that is unexplainable." Though she leads an extremely demanding lifestyle - dancing "from sun-up to sun-down, six days a week," Ms. Kubin is grateful for her opportunity.

Not only has 26 year-old Ms. Kubin achieved great success for a Ukrainian dancer - to dance with the Virsky Ensemble - she also has a degree in sociology and an advanced certificate in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.

Ms. Kubin has signed a contract to spend the next season with Virsky, but she is currently spending the summer in Saskatoon. She recently appeared with the Pavlychenko ensemble at the 39th edition of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba.

NEW YORK: Center's programs aimed at new immigrants, Ukrainian Americans

Nearly two years ago the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) opened "Ukrainian Svitlytsia," an information and education center for new immigrants from Ukraine, in New York City.

Experienced instructors from Ukraine - Larissa Goulovich, Nelya Mykhayliv and Nadia Toderika - help newcomers study English, with a selection of four levels of ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

Students at the center can also prepare for their citizenship tests under the instruction of Natalia Turchak, and gain computer experience with the help of computer specialist Yuriy Babych. Ukrainians can also attend seminars at the center addressing problems that new immigrants face while adjusting to life in the U.S.

Recently "Ukrainian Svitlytsia" started a new program targeted to Americans with Ukrainian roots who would like to learn or improve their Ukrainian oral or writing skills. Qualified teachers and Ukrainian students at the center interact with Americans learning Ukrainian, and help each other reach their respective linguistic goals.

Readers who are interested in these programs or others offered at "Ukrainian Svitlytsia" may visit the center located on the first floor of 203 Second Ave.; or call (212) 674-7414 (center) or (917) 558-2998 (Ms. Mykhayliv).

- compiled by Roxolana Woloshyn

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