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Hoverla, Oseredok Derby at Llangollen 2011
July 9th 1986 represents a very important date in Hoverla Ukrainian Dance
Ensemble's calendar when it became only the second Ukrainian Dance group
from England (and the first 2nd generation born in GB) to win at the
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod after Orlyk (1st generation of
Ukrainians) won in 1953.
Twenty five years later to the date - Saturday July 9th 2011 - the next
generation of Hoverla Ukrainian dancers (third generation of Ukrainians born
in GB) were attempting to emulate the previous generation of Hoverla dancers
by performing in Competition 16 - "Choreographed Folk Dance". Hoverla were
originally up against 9 other groups from Ghana, India, Kurdistan, Northern
Ireland & Ukraine.
Lasting just over 9 minutes, eight boys performed "Yikhaly Kozaky" - a
traditional kozak folk dance in which the Hetman and his men have returned
successfully from battle to celebrate their victory in true kozak style,
backed by 5 talented musicians. (N.B competition rules state that the total
duration of the performance must not exceed 10 minutes). The dance itself
was performed to a very high standard.
Preparations for the Eisteddfod competition began before Easter and
culminated with three intensive rehearsals during the final week (in the
immediate aftermath of gaining 1st place during the Ukrainian Youth
Association's Annual Rally and Competition held on 2 July at
Weston-on-Trent).
I could not have asked more from the dancers, especially after one of boys
sprained his ankle four days before the competition and had to withdraw,
leaving the Hetman to take his place in some of the choreographed sword
fighting scenes.
Hoverla received 86 points and gained runners-up position behind the
Loughgiel Folk Dancers from Northern Ireland.
We had dreams of coming first but second place on an International stage at
Llangollen is no mean feat.
During our weekend stay in Llangollen, our beautiful young ladies also
performed the 'Lastivka' dance in the Competitor's Tent and were then joined
by ladies from an Indian group called 'Heritage' with our musicians playing
together with their drummer. This was nice to see where 2 groups combined
their talents and performed a joint dance creating this unique atmosphere
only Llangollen can create.
At 5.30 on Saturday evening, Hoverla performed a 20-minute show in The
Amphitheatre in front of hundreds in the sunshine crowd. The audience were
given a treat when the young men performed 'Khloptsi z Kyeva' and the young
ladies 'Lastivka', which culminated with the most famous Ukrainian Folk
dance, the 'Hopak' from the capital region of Kyiv. The audience enjoyed and
were well impressed with the athleticism of the boys and gracefulness of the
girls.
On Sunday July 10th Hoverla was also invited to give a 20-minute performance
in the town centre - inside St. Colleen Church - the famous local parish
church of Llangollen. Again the audience were given a treat and despite the
wooden built stage in front of the aisle and the area behind the alter being
very narrow in depth, nothing could suppress or phase our dancers.
Congratulations and thanks to everyone associated with Hoverla and a very
special thanks and praise to all the Boys ! Molodtsi !!
JOE KUPRANEC
(Leader of Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble)
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