NEW YORK – Two premier North American dance companies, Cheremosh from Edmonton, Alberta, and Syzokryli from New York City, will join forces in collaborative concerts on October 9-10, uniting Ukrainian communities from opposite sides of the continent. This exciting tour, in the Philadelphia area and New York City, highlights the beauty, grace and dynamic nature of the art of Ukrainian dance.
The Ukrainian community in Alberta is tightly woven,” says Graham Currie, President of the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company. “We want to expand that sense of unity across Ukrainian communities around the globe. Ukrainians strive to preserve our culture, and we connect with that on a very personal level.”
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company is a leader of Ukrainian dance in Canada. It has earned a reputation of bringing an amazing entertainment spectacle to the stage with its intricate choreography, skill, colorful costumes and dynamic music.
Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, renowned for its rich repertoire, versatility and high level of artistry has captivated audiences for over 30 years, perpetuating the legacy and vision of its founder, Roma Pryma Bohachevsky.
Dianna Shmerykowsky, a senior Syzokryli member, commented on what the show means to the group: “These concerts, are not just any show. These concerts are a symbol of what Pani Roma intended for Ukrainian dance. She wanted the love of Ukrainian dance to spread across great distances and be an ambassador of Ukrainian culture; for those who dance, to love what they do. To perform with Cheremosh, captures this spirit of love and pride in our heritage. It’s an honor to be part of this dance legacy and the journeys on which these performances have taken us.”
Something magical happens when two dance groups sharing the same passion and vision join forces.
Senior Cheremosh dancer Zorya Belanger, who has been part of several collaborative performances, says: “Performing together with other dancers who share our same passion for Ukrainian dance brings an unbelievable level of excitement and energy to the stage. There’s some sense of competition, but also mutual respect and camaraderie as we work simultaneously to create an unforgettable show for the audience.”
Orlando Pagan
Syzokryli rehearse for their upcoming shows.
Do not miss “Kaleidoscope of Ukrainian Dance” on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa., and October 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Space Theater in New York.
Tickets may be purchased at the theaters. For more ticket information for the Pennsylvania performance, call 610-416-6088; for the New York performance, call 201-787-9524.