Kalyna is Back!

By Chrystyna Kowal

It has been approximately 20 years since the Ukrainian National Federation (Toronto Branch) has had a  performing group affiliated with it.  The Ukrainian National Youth Federation’s (UNYF) Kalyna Dance Ensemble, since its inception in the 1950s had always been the backbone of the UNF (UNO) and the foundation on which UNO became famous for cultural events:  the Kyiv Pavilion during the annual Metro International Caravan; original theatrical stage performances such as Zaphorozhets za Dunayem and Chornozem, and supporting stage roles in Toronto’s Canadian Ukrainian Opera Association’s presentation of Cossacks Beyond the Danube by Semen Hulak-Artemovskyy and Anatole Vachnianyn’s Kupalo.

From a small handful of dancers in the early stages to a full company of dancers, choir, trio singers and orchestra, Kalyna surpassed everyone’s expectations except those of its founder and choreographer – Semen Dzugan.  Kalyna travelled extensively with their repertoire spreading their love of Ukrainian dance and culture.  Kalyna united the youth from various community organizations, cultural affiliations and from across different cities.

Kalyna has been reborn, under the name Kalyna Performing Arts Company, so that once again UNF Toronto can unite youth through the performing arts - song, dance and music.  There is no better way to raise the children of our community than to immerse them in our culture. There is no better way to have them make life-long friendships than through shared experiences.  There is no better way to expose them to music, singing, dancing, theatre, and backstage work in costumes and sets – through KPAC’s Kalyna School of Music, Dance and Craftsmanship. 

In October of 2008, we began with a core group of 8 children ages 7-12, about the same size of group UNYF Toronto, Dzugan and others started as Dorist MUNO also in the 1950’s.  The new group is slowly growing, but most importantly, the children look forward to spending two hours dancing under the tutelage of Andrij Baczinskyj, Dance and Craftsmanship Director, and dancing to the live musical accompaniment of Ron Cahute, Musical Director.  Andrij is currently making dancing boots for all the children because we believe that even the youngest dancer should be dancing in boots, not ballet slippers.  The children also took part in the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Sviata Vecherya (Holy Supper) and Spil’ne Kutya community dinner organized by the Ukrainian Women’s Organization - Toronto Branch on January 11, 2009, and took great pride in being able to contribute to the Sunday afternoon event.

At the same time, another group was started – the Alumni Group, which currently has an enrollment of approximately 22 adults, average age 45. Alumni dancers’ love of dance has never left them.  Although this group had initially started mainly as an exercise class, the passion of this group has instilled a vision for Baczinskyj to create dance choreography geared towards a more mature dancer. 

Baczinskyj’s expertise and Cahute’s live music seem to draw the best out of the dancers, both young and old.

We have had a great new start and now we want to continue ... We plan to provide a Saturday morning “Dorist” program for children ages 3-6 and a young adult performing group. We also plan to provide workshops in dance, choreography, boot making and set making, in order to truly make this music, dance and craftsmanship program a “School of Arts” at the UNF Community Centre - Toronto.

We require the assistance of the community to support our events.  UNF Toronto Branch’s “Chysta Komedia” New Year’s Eve Comedy Cabaret & Zabava dance was a huge success. Now, in support of cultural and educational programming, UNF Toronto and Kalyna are excited to present the 1^st Annual “Night in Kyiv” Gala on February 14, 2009, which coincides with St. Valentine’s Day. This evening will take you on a gastronomic feast - a “Walk Down Khreshchatyk” Street, provide you with live entertainment and enable you to dance to the sounds of Burya.  Tickets for this evening are on sale now in at advance for $100 per person or special price of $175 per couple.  In May, we are planning a Cinco de Mayo evening complete with Mexican food, a mariachi band and piatas.

We want to present a variety of events – something for everyone’s taste.  In this way, even if you are unable to join KPAC as a member you can still support us by attending our events and concerts. Your support is absolutely essential to make this school a reality.

Registration for the 2009-2010 Season will begin soon and we welcome children, teens and adults.  For further information or to register, please contact kalyna@unftoronto.com or telephone 416-253-6002 (Ron) or 416-939-9200 (Chrystyna).