Kupalo
‘Pride, passion and a dash of magic’...that is what has made Kupalo an enduring success for the last 25 years.
As the Artistic Director for 11 years I have had the pleasure of teaching numerous talented and dedicated dancers, many which have gone on to perform with Edmonton’s prominent professional Ukrainian Dance Ensembles. Through their amazing abilities and enthusiasm I have been able to bring to life my artistic vision and choreographic interpretation to the art of Canadian Ukrainian dance.
I take great pride in being an inaugural member of the Kupalo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. The valuable skills and performing experience that I received as a member of Kupalo enabled me to fulfill my dream as a dancer with the world renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Because of this, I have always felt a responsibility to ‘give back’ and inspire other Kupalo dancers to fulfill their dreams and goals as dancers in a performing ensemble.
Kupalo has always been about family. The connections that we made as Kupalo dancers have endured through the years, long after we retired or moved on from the Ensemble. Kupalo is also about showcasing the richness of our Canadian Ukrainian identity. It is an ongoing expression of our contribution to the cultural mosaic that is Edmonton, Alberta and Canada.
-Shelley Borowski, Artistic director.