Steppes Toward Liberty award presented in Philadelphia (09/17/06)

THE 15th ANNIVERSARY OF UKRAINE'S INDEPENDENCE

Steppes Toward Liberty award presented in Philadelphia

by Tanya Husar

PHILADELPHIA - Here in Philadelphia, the birthplace of democracy, the 15th anniversary of Ukraine's independence was celebrated on August 19 with dance, music and recognition of great achievement.

One of the keynote events was performed at the internationally recognized Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. The performance? "Steppes: A Ukrainian Dance Spectacular." And indeed it was.

Philadelphia's Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble premiered its evening of dance to coincide with independence celebrations and also used the occasion to present the first Steppes Toward Liberty award to Ukrainian dance choreographer Anatolij Kryvokhyzha.

The award and performance were the brainchild of Voloshky Artistic Director Taras Lewyckyj. The award recognizes significant contributions made toward Ukrainian cultural freedom. It is sponsored and administered by the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and the Ukrainian Federation of America.

This year's recipient, Mr. Kryvokhyzha, inspired Mr. Lewyckyj during a U.S. tour in 1978. Mr. Kryvokhyzha was the artistic director of Yatran Ukrainian Dance Company. During his tour in Philadelphia he conducted a workshop with Voloshky.

This simple exchange would cause great trouble for Mr. Kryvokhyzha. It was the time of the Cold War, and Yatran's tour was already causing political angst. When Mr. Kryvokhyzha returned to Ukraine he was banned from the stage and exiled.

Igor Moiseyev of the renowned Moiseyev Dance Company personally appealed for the ban on Mr. Kryvokhyzha to be lifted. It took the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 for Mr. Kryvokhyzha to return to his art. He is currently professor of dance history and theory at the Kirovohrad Ukrainian Dance Educational Complex.

The ensemble dedicated the performance to Mr. Kryvokhyzha. This marked the first time Voloshky hosted such a program. The evening included traditional favorites along with new, less traditional choreography.

The show was punctuated by the artistry of guest violinist Vasyl Popadiuk. Mr. Popadiuk, originally from Ukraine, now hails from Toronto, where an energetic style is the hallmark of his group Papa Duke. His lively musical interludes continued the frenetic pace between dance selections so the audience was left catching its breath, that is until Mr. Popadiuk surprised not just the audience, but the dancers, by coming on stage to accompany the ensemble impromptu. The audience was breathless.

Of course, no show would be complete without heart-stealing children. And the children of the Voloshky Dance academy did just that.

The nearly two-hour program was followed by a VIP reception at the Kimmel Center, where further accolades were given to Artistic Director Lewyckyj and his troupe. Special remarks were given by Consul Andrii Olefirov from the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York and greetings extended by Counselor to the Ambassador of Ukraine Ruslan Nimchynskyj.

A citation by Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street congratulating the Voloshky for offering the city this special celebration, as well as thanking Mr. Kryvokhyzha for his leadership in preserving the dance traditions of Ukraine, was presented.

The annual Steppes Toward Liberty award will recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contributions toward Ukrainian cultural freedom. It includes financial consideration. Nominations for the award are accepted from Ukraine and the diaspora worldwide and can be sent to: Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, 700 Cedar Road, Jenkintown PA 19046 or [email protected].

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