Razom - a fusion of sheer artistry and acrobatics

By Marco Levytsky, Ukrainian News: October 1-14

The combined forces of Edmonton's Cheremosh, Calgary's Tryzub and Winnipeg's Rusalka thrilled the audience at Edmonton's Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with a display of sheer artistry and acrobatics as they premiered their joint effort "Razom: A Fusion of Ukrainian Dance", Sept. 26.

The show was also presented at Calgary's Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Sept. 27, and will be shown at Winnipeg's Manitoba Cen¬tennial Concert Hall, Nov. 1.

The concept of Razom was developed in 2007 when the Artistic Directors of Cheremosh, Rusalka and Tryzub had an informal discussion about bringing the three ensembles together for a joint production. All three were related by blood, or marriage at the time. Cheremosh Artistic Director is Mykola Kanevets, his sister-in-law Anna Kanevets was Artistic Director of Rusalka at that time, while his brother Vasyl was and still is Artistic Director of Tryzub. Vasyl has now been joined by Anna as co-Artistic Director, while Marijka Stanowych has taken over Rusalka.

The initial discussion led to many more discussions about how to coordinate nearly 100 performers and many volunteers to create a dynamic program that highlights the unique styles of each group.

This concert highlighted the different Ukrainian staged dance styles that are evolving across the Canadian Prairies and showcase how western Canadian Ukrainian dances is undergoing a return to the roots of dance from Ukraine.

Each particular group showcased their individual talents in separate numbers during the Razom performance, with all three combining for a joint classic Virsky Hopak.

The closing number was unparalleled for sheer spectacle, as 48 dancers swirled about the stage in perfect harmony, while individual members from each group showed off their superb acrobatic skills in stunning leaps and bounds.

Several individual group numbers stand out.

Cheremosh was particularly impressive with some very quick footwork in "Kozaky" and "Bukovynian Celebration Dance" with its unique costumes and innovative choreography — and, of course, the closing "Hopak". Their signature "Pryvit" provided a kaleidoscope of colour with the choreographic composition, which marks the bread and salt presentation. Cheremosh numbers are quite diverse, with the women creating beautiful patterns with their "Lyrical Dance" and the hilarious antics of "Once Upon a Time in Old Kyiv".

Rusalka's highlights included the dramatic "Kalyna" which provided a powerful opening for the second act. The lyrical women's number "Vesnyanka" showed off their ballet skills, demonstrating its strong connections to their local Royal Winnipeg Ballet. The brisk and energetic "Bukovyns 'kyi Dance" is also yet romantic and sensual, demonstrating the beauty and elegance of the female dancer and strength and agility of the male dancer."Kuban" features high kicks and intricate footwork, while "Hutsulka is both exhilarating and fiery.

Tryzub highlights included "Celebration". Originally choreographed for Tryzub's performance with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2006, this piece exemplifies a new and extended direction from Tryzub's traditional style of dance. Their own contribution to the humor¬ous vein was "Peacock", with the females, who represent the peacock's feathers, exhibiting a flirting and playful attitude which ignites a light hearted rivalry of talents and tricks between the men. "Polissky Natury embodied pulsating energy and dynamic movements, while "Kozachy Tanets" was energetic and dynamic in terms of choreography. Several audience members, however, complained about the use of mostly Russian lyrics in the music for that piece.

In addition to showcasing three different styles of Ukrainian dance, Razom was also conceived to bring the Ukrainian dance community closer together. Creating new friendships between dancers and new partnerships among managers, this experience has enriched and strengthened the bonds between these three performing ensembles.

The performance was put together by six producers — Kelly Bernakevitch (Tryzub), Jason Golinowski (Cheremosh), Darren Lemke (Tryzub), Fred Mazepa (Rusalka), Catherine Sych (Cheremosh) and Peter Wasylyshyn (Rusalka).

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