Kalyna Reunion Encore

By Chrystyna Kowal

On May 9^th, 2008, the Kalyna Dance Ensemble and Kalyna Girl’s Choir celebrated a 2^nd reunion at the Toronto UNF Community Centre, 145 Evans Ave.  Approximately 100 former dancers, singers and their families gathered for an evening of reminiscing, good food, old photos and special performances.

May 9^th is a very significant date as this was the birth date of the group’s founder and choreographer, the late Semen Dzugan.  Mr. Dzugan put in decades of dedication to make the group a prominent leading ensemble in traditional Ukrainian dance.  In attendance were Mrs. Ollie Dzugan, the wife of the late Semen, and also his son Gary Dzugan.

Some of the members brought their children and some of the original members even brought their grandchildren.

Unfortunately, due to illness, our beloved Pearl Harasymchuk who led the Girl’s choir, Mandolin group and the Kalyna Trio was not present, but we all got together to write her notes of best wishes.

Everyone present had much fun watching a slide show of old photos, which was put together by Lu Taskey.  Pictures from the 1960s, 70s and 80s were shown on the big screens, as the attendees laughed and remembered friendships, performances and back-stage high jinx. 

Members and guests were entertained by the Barvinok Dance Ensemble of Mississauga who performed the all male dance “Povsunets”.  The dance was chosen because it was originally brought to Canada after Semen Dzugan travelled to Ukraine to train with the famous Virsky Dance Ensemble.

The highlight of the evening was kept as a surprise until the night of the reunion.

Everyone was treated to a special performance of “Kuban”.  Two of the original dancers of “Kuban”, Andrij Baczynskyj and Audrian Kuzyk came out and started the dance off, and were later joined by eight men whom they trained in the dance.  All in all, there were three generations of dancers on the floor at the same time.  Something that will not be repeated soon. 

Throughout the entire evening, live music and entertainment was provided by Ron Cahute and all were treated to mouth watering Ukrainian dishes prepared by Baby Point Lounge.

By the end of the evening, I was already asking when would we do this again.  It is safe to say that everyone who attended left with fond memories and a warm pride to have been a part of the magic that was “KALYNA”.