100 young dancers attend camp at Ukrainian Homestead (10/03/04)

100 young dancers attend camp at Ukrainian Homestead

LEHIGHTON, Pa. - This summer, 100 young dancers gathered at the Ukrainian Homestead in Lehighton, Pa., from June 28 through July 3 to participate in the 15th annual folk dance camp and workshop, sponsored by the Ukrainian American Heritage Foundation of the Lower Anthracite Regions (UAHF).

Dancers traveled from throughout the coal regions of eastern Pennsylvania, the eastern United States, and from as far away as Georgia to attend the week-long workshop. Dancers were divided into four groups from preschool beginners through advanced. Andrij Dobriansky of the Syzokryli Dance Ensemble in New York City served as the guest instructor for the younger campers. David Woznak of the Kashtan School of Ukrainian Dance in Parma, Ohio, worked extensively with the most advanced dancers. Mr. Woznak, newly returned from his studies in Lviv, brought fresh choreography and teaching methods to the advanced workshop participants.

In addition to dance instruction, the younger campers spent part of each day completing arts and crafts, playing sports, learning Ukrainian folk songs, and, of course, swimming in the Homestead's beautiful outdoor pool overlooking the Pocono Mountains.

Several events marked the 15th anniversary of the workshop. During the entire week, a slide show of camp photographs from the previous 15 years, as well as a pictorial history of Ukrainian immigration in Northeastern Pennsylvania, were on view for all visitors. On Friday students, parents and area media gathered for a birthday party complete with cake.

On Saturday evening, July 3, the dancers presented a special finale performance tracing the history of Ukrainian immigration to the anthracite coal regions of northeastern Pennsylvania. Dancers performed choreography from Transcarpathia, Lemkivschyna, and Hutsulschyna, representing the major source of immigrants to the area in the late 19th century. Dancers also performed choreography from the Poltava region and, of course, the traditional Hopak, choreographed by Mr. Woznak. Nearly 300 people attended the finale concert which was open to the public, free of charge. Pennsylvania State Senator James Rhoades acknowledged the 15th anniversary of the camp with a special senatorial proclamation.

The Ukrainian American Heritage Foundation of the Lower Anthracite Regions (UAHF) was formed in 1987 to preserve the heritage and culture of the Ukrainian immigrants to the anthracite coal regions of Schuylkill County. As part of the organization's ongoing commitment to promote and share the Ukrainian culture with the larger community, the UAHF developed the summer Ukrainian folk dance camp and workshop especially for children and young adults. The first camp/workshop was held in 1990 at the Ukrainian Homestead in Lehighton, Pa. Just 24 students participated that first year under the instruction of guest choreographer Helena Kozak of Abington, Pa. Ms. Kozak served as the guest artist for 1990 through 1992. In 1993, Paula Duda Holoviak served as both camp administrator and choreographer. In 1994, Mr. Woznak, of the Kashtan School of Ukrainian Dance in Parma, Ohio, was engaged as the guest instructor and choreographer. Mr. Woznak has been with the workshop since 1994, bringing outstanding instruction in Ukrainian folk dance and folk and ballet technique.

By 2000, the number of participants had grown to over 75 young dancers. The UAHF decided to engage a second choreographer to work with the youngest campers, ages five through 11. Mr. Dobriansky, dancer and instructor with the Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of New York City, joined the teaching staff of the workshop in 2000 and continues to offer outstanding instruction to the introductory classes.

Numerous other individuals have dedicated countless hours to the camp and workshop including director Dr. Holoviak, and assistant directors and instructors, Joseph Zucofski, Michael Duda and Sandra Duda. Dozens of high school and college aged dancers have served as camp counselors and scores of parents have helped with administration and supervision of the camp.

The camp has received funding from various state and local sources since 1991 including the Schuylkill County Commissioners through the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, the PCA Regrant Program through the Berks Arts Council, and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.

For more information on next year's dance camp and workshop, which will be held on June 27 through July 2, 2005, contact Dr. Paula Holoviak at (570) 708-1992 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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