While sipping a cool drink on the Veselka patio at Soyuzivka, waiting for the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Camp banquet to begin, I beheld a parade of young gents strutting in their best suits and ties, hair slicked, cologne donned etc., sometimes holding a bouquet of wild flowers freshly picked in the woods. The young ladies, looking starry-eyed, sashayed in their first-time in high heels with their sequined dresses. Oh, how grown-up these youngsters seem – and how in the moment!
There were well over 110 participants this year at the second session of the dance camp, ranging in age from 8 to 16. They came from all parts of the U.S. and Canada; and there was a dedicated dancer who hailed from Kuwait. From the very young to the more experienced and older dancers, they all join together as one large family, sharing their Ukrainian heritage and love of dance.
As I continued to watch them and revel in their youth and confidence, for a moment they became children again – jamming into the photo booth, making faces, laughing and just having a great time. These will be their memories.
What is so wonderful is that it seems natural for the young boys (far from being men yet) taking the young ladies’ hands, escorting them to the table or the dance floor. They graciously present them with bouquets of flowers they gathered and then walk over to bring them a strawberry punch or a refreshing glass of cold lemonade.
The friendship shown by the older boys or girls to the fledgling newcomers was also beautiful to see. They take on the role of older brothers and sisters, mentoring the inexperienced and welcoming them warmly into their fold.
These young dance camp participants are not only learning the aesthetics of dance and music, but also nurturing a special love for Ukrainian culture, song and dance. They are learning the best part of living with others. They are nourishing their bodies, minds and souls. They are making lasting friendships, experiencing the best life has to offer at the best times of their lives.
I also enjoyed the inspiring speeches of the dance instructors during the banquet. They spoke to the young dancers not just as their dance instructors, but as their friends, mentors and confidantes. I noticed the investment, the care, the responsibility each of them have to these children, their students. They teach and prepare them to enjoy every aspect of life.
Some of these students are sure to follow in the footsteps of their instructors, and will go on to instill the love of dance and music in a whole new generation. I have no doubt that all of the attendees will take away a truly profound love and understanding of music and dance, and the importance it has had in shaping their lives and keeping them connected to their heritage.
These two weeks of Ukrainian Dance Camp at Soyuzivka will surely enhance their lives and serve them well. What a great gift to give them – one that will not be forgotten.