Razom 2 in Calgary

What an absolutely fabulous event!  Today's Razom 2 - A Fusion of Ukrainian Dance performed by Yevshan of Saskatoon, Tavria of Regina, Tryzub of Calgary and Rusalka of Winnipeg spectacularly showcased the finest Ukrainian dancing on the Canadian prairies - and perhaps even further! The four city tour features four of western Canada's longest serving, and most empowered Ukrainian Dance Ensembles whose captivating programs have engaged talented dancers in the creation of community - Razom!  Whoever dreamed up this unique fusion of different talents in one stellar show should be congratulated!  Wow!

Wasn't sure I wanted to head out in the minus whatever weather, but it was well worth the drive.  Calgary's South Alberta Jubilee Auditorium proved, again, to be a wonderful host venue for the important art of Ukrainian dance - actually perhaps it is now Ukrainian Canadian dance!  Four Ukrainian dance groups represented the Ukrainian communities of Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, each with intricately designed choreography, and lovely outfits representing the different regions of Ukraine.  The program of 18 beautiful dances began with Virsky's Pryvit, meandered across Ukrainian regions including Bukovena, Polissia, Volyn', Kuban', Poltava, Transcarpathia, the Black Sea, and summed up with the absolutely amazing, and always loved Virsky Hopak.  The spirited dancers performed with class, grace, humor - flawless delivery. Based on Roman Brytan, the MC's statements, and the program of names, I have a strong impression that these are many generations Canadians, delighting in their youth, and the passionate art form of their ancestral homeland.  To perform a program of such artistry surely is a direct affirmation of the wonderful dance training of the various Dance Directors and Choreographers.  Clearly there is a very close bond among the dancers, their Dance Masters, and among the groups too!  Of course the opportunity to work collaboratively on such a program must have been super fun for all those involved.

I had the good fortune of sitting with two little ballerina dancers - the "fan club" of one of the Tryzub dancers who shared the stage in Calgary's Nutcracker.  Little Clara beamed with delight when she recognized her "lifter".  And behind me was an admiring group of perhaps former dancers, ooing and ahhing at all the most dancerly parts - clearly a knowledgeable audience.  Then a friend who picked up the dancing teacher role when I was making babies in Fort McMurray dropped into the chair next to me, equally impressed with the dancing.  Spoke briefly with some girls from Winnipeg, who absolutely adored working with the great people who put this show on the road.  What can I say?  Thankyou to all the Razom team - when are you doing this again?  And don't you think Edmonton should be on your next tour?

Hey, Winnipeg - make sure you get tickets soon!  

Valentines in Fort McMurray?

The world is full of interesting Ukrainian stuff - including the Ukrainian dance club in Fort McMurray, Alberta.  And it seems that perhaps there is even more than simply Ukrainian dancing going on!  The Fort McMurray group - what ever they are called, are hosting a Ukrainian Valentine's social.  What a great idea!  In a city of almost a hundred thousand, there have got to be a few, maybe even more than a few Ukrainians.  Time for a party!

If you might be interested, try contacting Verlayne Flett at 780 792-0895 for more information about joining the fun at Fort McMurray's Ukrainian night for St.Valentines!  

Stephania's CD Release Event - March 2

Fans of great Ukrainian Estradna Musika will be thrilled to hear that Stephania Romaniuk is performing again - and releasing a great new recording of the songs of Bohdan Wesolowsky (among others). Joined by top jazz musicians from Calgary, her premier recording of all-new arrangements of Ukrainian retro-pop songs from the 30-50's will definitely redefine Ukrainian Cabaret! Imagine swing, latin jazz, rhumba, tango, bolero, and the wonderful vocal stylings of Stephania - wow!

The Ukrainian diaspora community really makes things happen - thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, and with financial support from a variety of foundations including the Taras Shevchenko Foundation, Бували дні, By-Gone Days will be a special addition to your listening favorites.

You can enjoy Stephania performing songs from her debut album on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at St. John's Institute (11024 82 Ave NW, Edmonton). For more information you can call (780) 439-2320. Make sure to get tickets soon - here is some contact information. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1686146502/by-gone-days-ukrainian-jazz
www.stephaniaromaniuk.com

Great news! Stephania's song "Summer" will be featured on the Shevchenko Foundation's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Album!

Millenia's Upcoming CD Release Party

Just loving the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada these days! A century and more of proud Canadian citizenship, flavoured with a groundswell of love, appreciation and identification with the ancestral homeland! Where else can you find that?

Through the Ukrainian grapevine I heard there is no better way to share the love than a Ukrainian zabava! And for a very special zabava, it's time to for Millenia Band of Edmonton's upcoming CD release on Saturday, February 15, 2014!

It will be a great evening of Millenia's Ukrainian zabava music, a special performance by Dunai Дунай Ukrainian Dancers of Edmonton, and a traditionally delicious Ukrainian late lunch at almost midnight! Gotta keep up the energy for great zabava dancing into the wee hours! This is an all ages event!

The event will be held at the Oilfield Technical Society 2104 156 St. SW, Edmonton AB. Doors open at 8:00pm, show starts at 9:00pm, Saturday February 15th.

For more information check https://www.facebook.com/Milleniaband or at info@milleniaband.com.   Дякую!

Millenia is also playing for the Ukrainian Student's Club of the University of Alberta later in the month, too!

Calgary Helps Euromaidan

stone baba from Pereyaslav Khmelnitsky Museum
amk2013

Calgary,  it is again time to stand with the ancients, in solidarity with the Euromaidan activists, for truth and freedom. Sharing information with the wider community today, and hoping for generous people of good will to stand in solidarity and support of the people of Ukraine in their struggle for a free and just governance, in their time of need. The situation in Ukraine continues to escalate and is extremely fragile. Conclusions and speculation about what might happen next are hard to say.  

An amazing groundswell of informed activists have carried the torch thus far. After nearly 10 weeks of struggle, in the wintry nights of November, and December of 2013, and continuing into late January of 2014, the world is finally paying attention. Unfortunately the peaceful Maidan of two months has now been followed by repressive laws and violent reactions from their government and military. Events teeter precariously in the next days and potentially weeks.   Ukrainian citizens need us to be citizens of the world, and help them ensure a dignified and honourable outcome for all of Ukraine, to help ensure positive change in their lives and livelihoods.  By standing in Independence Square and in various Maidan protests (including in Calgary) the world is sending a message of of solidarity, of hope that truth and dignity will prevail.  We stand resolutely, together for the good! The past is passed, and the future beacons!

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Calgary Branch is sharing this information widely in our community. 

On Sunday January 26th, there will be Varenyky (perogies) on sale at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Hall from 10:30-1:30 with all proceeds going to support Euromaidan activists standing in Kyiv's Independence Square, Hrushevskiy Street and elsewhere. 

ALSO: at 4:00 pm there will be another rally, peaceful protest and small prayer service at the Olympic Plaza downtown Calgary. Bring your blue and yellow gear as well as your hearts for those who need our support! 

Please spread the word to your family and friends by sharing this post.