Editors:Tiffany Gogowich Maria Ochitwa Roxanna Pullan Charles Pullan

Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society#115, 3953 -112 Ave SE

Calgary, AB

(403) 720-4840info@tryzub.cawww.tryzub.ca

Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

@TryzubUkrDance

Ukrainian Christmas Caroling

On January 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble will be caroling around Calgary and surrounding area for Ukrainian Christmas. If you would like to partake in this wonderful tradition and have carolers come right to your doorstep, please contact Tyler Bernakevitch (info@tryzub.ca, 403-720-4840).

Ukrainian Christmas Caroling 1Hopak! A Ukrainian Spectacular - A Look Backstage 2Who’s in the Ensemble? 5Tryzub School Update 640th Anniversary Media Request 6Board of Directors 6Tryzub’s Harvest Gala 8Alumni Update 9Calendar of Events 9Razom 2 - A Fusion of Ukrainian Dance 11Donors 13

IN THIS ISSUE:

CONTRIBUTORS

Tyler BernakevitchChristina ChumakChristine Ochitwa

Maria OchitwaRoxanna Pullan

Fall 2013

PHOTO CREDITS

Emily Exon PhotographyEugene Gogowich

Riley LewisCharles PullanDarcia Pullan

Tyler Bernakevitch

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Featuring the

Heebee-jeebees,

Mount Royal Choirs,

Calgary Youth Orchestraand many more special guests includingTryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

Sat., Dec. 14, 2013 7 p.m.Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium$30 adults$20 students/seniors/MRU alumni$10 children 12 & underGroup & family discounts available

To order, call 403.440.7770

mtroyal.ca/christmas

SPECIA L T H A N K S TO G L E N CO E R E S O U R CES LTD.

Conservatory at Mount Royal University’s 25th Annual

Create a family holiday tradition andcelebrate the season with the joyful soundsof the Mount Royal University Conservatory.

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Hopak! A Ukrainian SpectacularA Look Backstage

Christine Ochitwa

I’ve always said that a day spent in a theatre is a day well spent. There’s something about the silence when you’re standing on stage looking out at 2000 empty seats, the backstage joking around, and the roar of a standing ovation that just makes you think, “Yeah, this is why I dance.” Here’s a look at what the show day for Hopak! A Ukrainian Spectacular was like from the perspective of a dancer.

September 14, 2013 kicked off bright and early with a 9:00 a.m. cast call at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. There we were, bright and early on a Saturday morning, putting on makeup and French braiding our hair. Not being a morning person, I will admit I was not fully awake upon arrival at the theatre, but the chatter and excitement soon had me full of energy. Everyone came downstairs for our 10:00 a.m. technical rehearsal, or “tech”, dressed in formal Tryzub rehearsal attire and

holding two to four pairs of shoes each. Tech is really important, especially at the Jack Singer, because the stage is so much longer and narrower than our rehearsal space in the Tryzub Studio. We walked through all our dances quickly, then ran them accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. The one moment I will never forget is our rehearsal for Transcarpathian Suite. The way the brilliant orchestration sounded with 40 musicians in the acoustically perfect concert hall... it was so moving and powerful to hear one of our favourite pieces presented so beautifully. You could see the dancers all smiling, tearing up even, listening to the orchestra.

Following some quick group photos came my second favorite part of the day (next to the performance, of course). There are a few free hours in between the technical rehearsal finishing and preparations for the performance starting. This time usually starts with a big group lunch somewhere downtown. Talking and laughing over a delicious meal is always memorable on a show day. After lunch, everyone has their own routine.

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Some dancers do homework or read. Some fix costume pieces or organize their makeup bags. Some head home or out to run errands for a couple hours. My activity of choice was to curl up with a pillow and some music and nap for an hour, followed by a walk to a tea shop.

The ladies’ dressing room is always quite a sight to see in preparation for a big performance. There are hair and makeup supplies on every conceivable surface, teas, coffees and snacks all over the room, music blasting, and a constant chatter as everyone works together to make sure their makeup is done right, the part in their hair is straight, and their costumes are laid out and ready for the show. This is one of the best parts about being a Tryzub girl. We all have so much fun getting ready together. As we prepped for the performance, everyone made sure to take half an hour to stretch and warm up. We had seven dances upcoming, and that is a lot of work! Finally everyone was made up, dressed up, and ready for the performance. We gathered just outside the stage doors for our traditional pre-show pep talk and the always-exciting RAZ! DVA! TRYZUB! that

we yell before every performance. Everyone was giving hugs and wishing each other a good show. Finally, it was time.

Hopak! A Ukrainian Spectacular was my third time performing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and I can honestly say it never gets old. The overture they opened with gave me goose bumps. There is nothing quite like performing with a live orchestra, hearing the musicians right behind you as you dance and catching their eyes once in a while during a show. It’s a special and very explosive collaboration. That’s not saying it’s easy... The tough thing about dancing with a live orchestra is that the sound and tempo of the music is different than the recorded versions, so you have to pay extra attention to be on time. But the challenge makes it even more fun!

The show itself was fantastic. The set had seven dances, including a number of regional and lyrical dances and TWO Hopaks! Tryzub has done many exciting performances this year, but this one definitely had one of the best set lists. There was

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so much going on backstage: quickly changing costumes between numbers, running across the backstage area to prepare for dances and watching the performance from side stage. One very neat thing about being on stage is coming off from a dance and chatting with the other dancers about who we saw in the audience. It’s tough to see past the first few rows with the blinding stage lights in your eyes, but it’s always fun to catch a retired dancer, family member, or friend staring up at you from the orchestra pit. After a long and absolutely exhilarating show, we got to the final number - Virsky’s Hopak. If you’ve seen this dance before, you’ll know that it starts with the girls in pairs running full speed down the middle of the stage. Generally the first few pairs of girls will line up for the dance bent forward, preparing for the dramatic arm and body movements of this entrance. So, as one of the girls in the first pair, when the orchestra paused in preparation for this dance, my partner and I went to line up, bent over and ready to start running. We didn’t, however, expect the conductor to proceed to talk for two minutes about the Hopak and its meaning to Ukrainians... leaving us awkwardly stuck in our lined up position for the entire time he spoke. I have never been so happy to stretch my legs at the start of a dance!

As dancers, it is always incredible to be a part of major performance like this - the entire Ensemble, the orchestra, the immense theatre and the extremely enthusiastic audiences are things we are all grateful to have in our lives. There is such a satisfaction in knowing you gave 110% on stage, so much so that the audience roars for you and there is a smile ear to ear on the face of the Artistic Director. We have a sense of pride that comes from doing what we love, and an even greater sense of belonging doing it with people we love. From the backstage whispers to the standing ovation, September 14 was a day none of us Tryzub dancers will soon forget. □

Did you see Hopak! A Ukrainian Spectacular?Tweet us what you thought of it @TryzubUkrDance!

Artistic Director:

Vasyl Kanevets

Who’s in the Tryzub Ensemble?

Isabella AdamsStephanie AndrewsTyler Bernakevitch

Jordan BissAmy BobynEmma Bolt

Kimberley BushellKristen Bushell

Natasha ChaykowskiMichael Chez

Christina ChumakAnne CopelandMorgan DeMone Annikka DobkoVictoria DumkaMykola Gauk

Uliana KanevetsNatasha KrochakSophia KushliakBrooke Miller

Christine OchitwaCharles Pullan

Joren TzitzoglakisRachel WeisenselNathan Woynarski

Ensemble Members:

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Tryzub was incorporated as a non-profit society on November 4, 1974. As Tryzub approaches our 40th Anniversary in 2014, we are looking for more photos and videos to add to our archives. Should you have any that you would be willing to share, please contact us at info@tryzub.ca.

Tryzub School of Ukrainian Dance has been in operation since 1997. This year we have expanded to include two days of Ukrainian fundamentals classes, adding Monday to our existing Tuesday classes. With this increase in classes, we are also looking for additional instructors. Any Tryzub alumni with an interest in teaching are invited to contact Tryzub School Director, Dean Mackedenski (school@tryzub.ca, 403-720-4840), to inquire about this very rewarding experience.

Chairman John Stadnyk

Vice Chairman Maria Ochitwa

Secretary Kimberly Bushell

Treasurer Evelyn Goj

Business Director Tyler Bernakevitch

Financial Director Vacant

Fundraising Director Vacant

Human Resources Emma Bolt

Touring Director Nathan Woynarski

School Director Dean Mackedenski

Member at Large Brent Bushell

Member at Large Lorraine Chanasyk-Alford

Member at Large Charles Pullan

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Sunday, February 9, 2014 - 2:30 p.m. Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, Alberta

•Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets - www.ticketmaster.ca

Or by phone: 1-855-985-5000

Artistic DirectorsVitali Sorokotiaguine • Yuriy & Oksana Sholdra • Vasyl Kanevets • Andrew Popiel

RusalkaWinnipeg

TryzubCalgary

YevshanSaskatoon

TavriaRegina

A Fusion of Ukrainian Dance

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Tryzub’s Harvest GalaRoxanna Pullan

There was plenty of snow to welcome guests to Tryzub’s Harvest Gala on November 2nd. The first significant snowfall couldn’t put a damper on the night. The cocktail hour was full of buzz as friends and family filled the Polish Canadian Culture Centre and a sharing of memories and stories was underway. As the night progressed the crowd was entertained by the quick wit of Emcee Mike Ciona and treated to the talent of the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Junior Tryzub as they showcased dances from a variety of Ukraine’s regions. This year, the Zabava Committee had the band, Trembita, fill the night with polkas and groove shaking late into the night.

The Harvest Gala was a huge success due to the support provided from the community in Silent Auction donations and the attendees. Tryzub is thankful for all forms of donations we received. Every donation leads to the successful continuation of the Society which is now entering its 40th year. All of this would not be possible without the dedicated people running the events and the generous donations that have brought Tryzub to this monumental 40th year.

It seemed as though dinner had just finished when midnight snack was brought out and the high kicks and stunning acrobatics of the kolomeyka were in full effect. Soon after, we were all sweeping off our cars from the evening snowfall and that concluded another successful Harvest Gala Zabava. We hope you can join us next year!

Tryzub Zabava Committee - Sherry Falkenberg, Christine Verdonck, Evelyn Goj, Tavia Nazarko, Tiffany Gogowich, Haley McCloy, Roxanna Pullan

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Dear Tryzub Alumni! Our 40th Anniversary is fast approaching and 2014/2015 are exciting years for our organization. Without the dedication and commitment of our dancers, board members and families over the years, we would never have reached this impressive milestone. This legacy continues as Tryzub has grown into an organization featuring the Tryzub Ensemble, Junior Tryzub and highly successful Tryzub School of Ukrainian Dance. Anyone wanting to be part of the 40th Anniversary planning is encouraged to email alumni@tryzub.ca. We want to hear your ideas and need your help. Let’s work together to make this an anniversary year to remember!

Tryzub Alumni Association

DECEMBER

14 Christmas in Song guest artist of the Calgary Youth Orchestra

January

4-7 Ukrainian Christmas Caroling

31 Tryzub School Zabava

February

9 Razom 2 Calgary

March

23 Razom 2 Winnipeg

May

4 Tryzub School Year End Show

June

7 & 8 Calgary Ukrainian Festival

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Alumni Update

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July 16 - August 1, 2014

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Razom 2 - A Fusion ofUkrainian Dance

Christina Chumak

Tryzub dancers have waited with great anticipation for the second tour of Razom. Those involved in the first production already know how wonderful of an experience Razom can be. Those who were not a part of the first show in 2009 heard plenty of stories and knew this tour was not to be missed. The first Razom, performed in the fall of 2009, was a great success and featured dancers from Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg. Razom 2 combines the efforts of four groups: Saskatoon’s Yevshan, Winnipeg’s Rusalka, Regina’s Tavria, and Calgary’s Tryzub. The first two shows were performed in Saskatoon and Regina on November 9th and 10th, 2013. At

first everyone seemed relatively distant and a little nervous for the upcoming shows. With Razom 2 featuring two joint dances with all dance groups, Pryvit and Hopak, much hard work needed to be done to be ready for the stage.

Dancers arrived early on show day and worked long and hard on perfecting the dances for that evening’s performance. Finally the moment had arrived… it was show time! All the hard work and dedication

had led up to this moment. As the dancers in Pryvit stood behind the curtain, the feeling of “Razom” was felt by all. Razom means “together” and at this moment four dance groups had truly become one. A hush fell over the audience and the curtain was raised. This moment, of four groups being united, is not one every dancer can experience, and as members of Tryzub we are so blessed to have this opportunity. The audience

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responded so warmly to all the dance groups and was sitting on the edge of their seats all the way to the much anticipated joint Hopak. The show ran seamlessly and it was obvious to all that these four groups became one.

The performance was featured the following evening in Regina with the same positive feedback from audience members and dancers. After a long and wonderful weekend, a much needed Zabava was hosted in Regina allowing all dancers to celebrate the weekend’s success. The last day was bittersweet as all dancers were tired and needed to come home but did not want to leave their new

found friendships. We look forward to featuring this performance in our home town of Calgary on February 9th, 2014, and one last time in Winnipeg on March 23rd, 2014. Razom is about bringing dancers together and showcasing what we work so hard for. As a Tryzub dancer I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful production! □

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Platinum $10,000 +

Alberta Foundation for the ArtsAlberta Lottery FundCalgary Arts DevelopmentGovernment of AlbertaThe City of Calgary

Gold $5,000 - $9,999

Neil & Leanne HorbachewskiDr. Borys Hoshowsky Prof. Corp.Meyers Norris Penny LLP

Silver $1,000 - $4,999

Kelly & Celeste Bernakevitch Rob BurlaCalgary Ukrainian Cultural FoundationMarlene CopelandDBR MechanicalGlobalFestEvelyn GojIron Cad Drafting & Design Solutions Ltd.John StadnykTempheat Certified Mechanical (1992) Ltd.Trinidad DrillingNathan Woynarski

Pewter $500 - $999

Tim & Darlene DeMoneDean & Sherry FalkenbergDr. Paul HallErnie & Andrea HodaRichard & Debbie HorbachewskiUliana KanevetsMe Hair & BodyNuera Oilfield ServicesJim & Kathy PitchkoVeronica ProkopCharles PullanKen & Darcia PullanShane HomesGarnette SutherlandUniversity of CalgaryDon & Pam VerdonckJamie Yakimishyn

Bronze $100 - $499

80th & IvyAmazon Trading CompanyStephanie AndrewsTerry AndroyoStephanie BellGregory BerkoTyler BernakevitchPat & Gerrie BissMarie BorysDr. Jana BoychukSean & Julie BoykoBrian BukBrent & Patti BushellCa Va Bien Hair Studio & SpaCalgary Philharmonic OrchestraCalgary Ukrainian Festival Kent CameronDavid & Wendi ChelackDayton ChenMichael ChezArkadij ChumakDr. Danielle DavidsDemchuk FamilyDaena DiduckColleen DobkoMatthew DumkaEllinor Stenroos of EVStenroosFountain TiresTerri GillisTiffany GogowichHans & Mary GojAltan GulerMike & Pattie HantzschEd & Mary HodaVasyl & Anna KanevetsUliana KanevetsDr. Kelleigh KlymLydia KrillMike KushliakBill LewchukLong View SystemsLowesMcKenzie Meadows Golf CourseDean MackedenskiCarolyn MarchenkoMelanie MatwieShad MohamadMoksha Yoga CalgaryMuirfield Lakes Golf Club

Tavia NazarkoKeith NelsonChristine OchitwaMark & Maria OchitwaOgden House Ukrainian Cultural SocietyBrad & Paula OnyskoPalladium Dental StudioParenting PowerPeter PatricianRed Tree Inc.Krista SchnickMichael ScottJoan SimpsonJim SlobodzianJason StreichBorys SydorukOksana TarasenkoTelusVange & Marian TzitzoglakisNancy UnguranUsborne BooksMike VerdonckVertigo Theatre SocietyDean & Lorelei WeisenselBlaine WoycheshinRichard & Elizabeth Yacyshen

Brass Up To $99

Markian AmiotAssociation of Fundraising ProfessionalsCiaan BadenhorstBreanna BarringtonDan BiggsJordan BissDon & Marcy BobynEmma BoltNaomi BrockDavid BurtonKim BushellLeanne BzdelCalgary Flying ClubCalifornia Tan Ltd.George CalowLorraine Chanasyk-AlfordJennifer ChenIris CionaTerry CooperAndrew Dabisza

With thanks to our generous donors!

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Kevin DanyluikE & J Gallow WinesJohn EshenkoOles & Pam EshenkoTravis FloodKendra Ann GraceJohn GreyPatti GuinanGary HabiakIryna HrabovychMorris HucalMike IlnyckyDiane IwanchukJohn KisczakRosemarie KraftPaul & Lynne KybaLarisia Hladun Prof. Corp.Bernice LesiukBarry & Allie LesiukArt MagegaRobert MaldanerMarcia MalutaPatricia MaruschakRyan MartinEmile MarxAlex & Haley McCloyBrooke MillerDennis MillerAlex MolnarJennifer MylesTerry & Milvia NazarkoJim & Pat OchitwaOlive ‘R Twist Bistro & Bar Ltd.Oolong Tea HouseEugene OlynykErnie OsadchukNoella OstashM. Gloria PiresWendy PitchkoRoxanna PullanAdrianna RependaElaine SmithEdwin StreichChris SumkaWilliam SydorukMerv & Oksana TitykJoren TzitzoglakisSusanne VatneChristine VerdonckMyron & Marianne WicentovichTamara WoodBill & Nicole WoytiukThomas YaremkoBrenda Zubkow

- DONATION FORM -YES! I want to be a donor for the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society.

_______ I would like my donation to be acknowledged (on our web site, Trubka, etc) _______ I would like my donation to be anonymous

First Name: _______________ Last Name: _________________Mailing Address: _________________________________________ _________________________________________City: ________________ Province: _____________ Postal Code: __________

Telephone: ____________________ E-mail: ____________________________

Please complete and send this form, along with your cheque or money order to:

Tryzub Ukrainian Dance SocietyP.O. Box 1732, Station MCalgary, Alberta T2P 2L7

** Please Note: Donations $25 or greater will be issued a tax receipt **

Donations may also be made through CanadaHelps.org via https://www.canada-helps.org/charityprofilepage.aspx?charityid=s33380