Probably all parents whose children attend the "Vyshyvanka" dance school would agree if I say that today, these children have two families each: the first, so to speak, by blood, with their biological parents and siblings, and the second — spiritual, where they also feel like family. Because they are united by common interests, because they learn to speak about the sacred through the language of dance, because they are imbued with a great and sincere sense of Ukraine in their destiny, because they learn to carry and do carry the beauty of Ukrainian dance art far from their native land, convincing others: it is incomparable!

All this became possible because after moving to America, it was with great love for Ukraine and their once-chosen profession that Pavlo and Oksana Fedkyiv, incredibly talented and obsessed with creativity, organized the "Vyshyvanka" dance school in Chicago. Here, their first dance patterns with the first students were laid on the artistic canvas of the Ukrainian community 17 years ago. Much has flowed, as they say, like water in the rivers since then; many boys and girls, starting with clumsy steps, mastered truly magnificent and beautiful Ukrainian choreography; new dances were added to the repertoire, suitable for each age group (there are now eight in the school, including the "Vyshyvanka" ensemble itself); new plots, new music, new beautiful costumes, new projects, new concerts, and creative journeys with performances beyond Chicago and even beyond America were born...

IMG-1213.jpg

Only from the fact that the children changed and grew up could one conclude that time was passing, because the school leaders — Mr. Pavlo and Oksana — remain as young and energetic as ever. This happens when you share something high and bright with others, when you teach, when you give... And they give a lot. Not only professional skills but also a piece of their hearts. And their truly parental love for each of the students. Even when they are strict and demanding. Because the guidance for the protégés is this: you must be the best! When you step on stage, the audience should hold their breath in anticipation of something incredible!

Does it succeed? Yes. It succeeds. And this is evidenced not only by individual performances of "Vyshyvanka" students at various creative events but also by the annual report concerts of the dance school, which they traditionally hold in May. At that time, when the earth is covered with greenery and blossoms, "Vyshyvanka" blooms on stage in all the colors of the rainbow.

Each time, these concerts have a certain message to our Ukrainian roots. For example, in past years, "Vyshyvanka" demonstrated the philosophy of Ukrainian dance through programs titled "Heritage" and "Your Roots." This year, they named their creative report "Motanka," as the motanka doll is a traditional Ukrainian sacred talisman symbolizing the connection of generations, well-being, and family protection.

The host of the concert program, Oleksandra Bodnar, spoke about it, setting the audience up for an incredible spectacle with thoughtful words and images: "Imagine the silence... The one that reigns in the room before dawn. On the table, only a piece of homespun cloth, clean and white, from which the action begins — the birth of the motanka. The mystery begins, where the cloth is not pierced with a sharp needle, so as not to prick fate, nor cut with a cold blade, so as not to slice life, but only intertwined with a living thread of memory..."

Probably, this is how our dance school was born at one time: the Fedkyiv couple created it with a living thread. As something special. As a talisman. Its core, its foundation, and the subject of special pride is the "Vyshyvanka" ensemble — the oldest, most trained, and choreographically hardened group. But others follow it. The soul of the doll-school is filled with the tart and strong "Chabrets." Its gaze is directed to the light emitted by the "Soniahy." In every thread, the unstoppable mountain "Bystrytsia" pulses. The invisible connection between heaven and earth (symbolized by the sacred cross on the face of the motanka doll) is held by the evergreen "Barvinok." The motanka is whitened by the first rays of the sun at "Svitanok," covered with patterns that grow like "Dyvotsvit," and finally dressed in the most delicate petals given by the luxurious "Malvy."

IMG-1204.jpg

I deliberately wrote all these words in quotes and with capital letters because these are the names of the groups that work at the "Vyshyvanka" dance school. They gifted the audience with a wide palette of Ukrainian dance, winding the feeling of unity with the native land, pride for the native land, and a prayer for its peaceful fate onto the soul of each person. "Volynska Polka," "Vinochok," "Hrailyvyi Kozachok," "Barvy Radosti," "Oira," "Kozatskyi Nastriy," "Bubny" — these are just some of the dance compositions that were included in the concert program (there were 18 in total). Do you feel the rhythm? Do you feel the drive? Do you feel the soul of the Ukrainian land? Exactly! The stage, along with the hall, was simply seething with unrestrained energy. Because where there is "Vyshyvanka," it cannot be otherwise.

And the "Vyshyvanka" report concerts never go without pleasant surprises. And this one was no exception. First, let me mention the surprise prepared by the school leaders, presenting a meeting with a truly extraordinary star guest. It was the charming ODali — an artist, painter, and director of sand animation theater. Of course, her performance made an impression of true magic when ODali created a whole plot story before the audience's eyes (everyone watched this on a large screen), born from light, music, and sand. By the way, our guest also contributed to the opening of the concert program, to the premiere screening of a video film with a song about "Vyshyvanka," specially created for the ensemble by Slavio Shevchuk.

And now about the surprise for the school leaders. It was the dance composition "Sailors," prepared together with the boys from the "Vyshyvanka" ensemble and the "Chabrets" group by Myroslav Lehkyi, also a school alumnus. Rehearsals were conducted behind closed doors from the leaders, without their help, without their participation. So today, they held their breath: what came out? And everything turned out wonderfully! They can be proud. It is truly said that a real teacher is one who does not make students their copy but gives them a start for their own development and self-expression. This is exactly about them, about Pavlo and Oksana Fedkyiv. However, we never doubted that you are real. Because you teach our children something more than just dance.

That's why the concert we are talking about today was so special. Special were the performances of our guests and sponsors, greetings from Father Mykola Buryadnyk — the pastor of St. Joseph the Betrothed Church, where the "Vyshyvanka" dance school operates, joint performances with the dancers by the students of the "Elegia" vocal studio and soloist Yuriy Yaremchuk. Special was the enthusiasm with which each group working at the school took the stage, because they all — from the youngest to the oldest — understand: what we do is important; what we do is the breath of Ukraine on a distant overseas land. Special were the thanks to everyone who financially, technically, and informationally supports the dance school and its performances. And, of course, to the parents. And personally to the caring costumers Oleksandra Marchuk and Valentyna Blazhko. And to the reliable assistants in creative work, who for the school leaders became Myroslav Lehkyi and Martyn Fedkyiv. And most of all to Pavlo and Oksana Fedkyiv: they created this Motanka, this Talisman, this fantastic "Vyshyvanka," which for many years has demonstrated with its creativity beauty, ancestral strength, national dignity, and love.  

IMG-1225.jpg

And it also performs a high charitable mission. And today it was also demonstrated. Because the creative meeting participants were Ukrainian soldiers undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in the USA through the efforts of the "Revived Soldiers Ukraine" charity fund. They were on stage, and the hall greeted them standing. They were the heroes of a video film shot at the NEXT STEP rehabilitation center, where our guys learned to make motanka dolls. These dolls could be purchased in the concert hall foyer, and in the hall itself, there was bidding for the only, but very special auction lot — a large Talisman Doll from the craftswoman Svitlana Zbroi. Her works collected aid for prosthetics of the wounded in Mexico, accompanied humanitarian cargo from France, attracted donations in the UK, Spain, and the USA. They adorn the homes of successful people, the offices of global companies, embassies, and prestigious hotels around the world. And now the large doll will live in Chicago, as a sincere-hearted man bought it for two and a half thousand dollars, all funds will go to help the wounded soldiers.

So, very briefly about this year's "Vyshyvanka" creative report. And at its conclusion was the "Hopak." How could it be without it, if it is the dance that testifies to our beauty and strength, our indomitability and indestructibility. And there was a song about the magic of the native land, about the memory of the native land, about the voice of the native land — sacred and holy. While these words were being sung, all the participants of the concert program came on stage, and the stage instantly turned into a colorful blooming meadow. They are truly beautiful, these children-flowers, as they are nourished by those spiritual juices — invisible but healing, which strengthen the connection of generations, which add life force, which form Ukrainians as a nation, with its past and with its future. Yes, with a future — peaceful and happy. Bless, Lord! 

 

Photo by Maksym Prokopiv