KUPALO
Since it's inception in 1982, under the St. Basil's Language Arts Society, the Kupalo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble has fostered the love of Ukrainian dance and provided its members with a high degree of technical training in Ukrainian Canadian dance.Under the Artistic Direction of Shelley Borowski, the Kupalo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble has entertained audiences both locally and abroad with their dynamic style, energy and professionalism. This has lead to their evolution into one of Edmonton's highly respected semi-professional Ukrainian Dance Ensembles.
Kupalo will be perfoming at the 3rd Annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka in the Catskill Mountains, New York, July 16-18. 2010. Tour plans for 2011 include a return trip to Ukraine in July 2011.
Recent Summer tour locations include: Ireland, California, Ukraine, Oregon, Scotland, Idaho, Quebec, Vancouver Island, Nova Scotia, Prince
Edward Island and the Iles de la Madeleine.
VESNA
Vesna, formerly Junior Kupalo, was created in 1986 as a junior level group to the Kupalo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.Vesna has emerged as an enthusiastic and skilled performing ensemble featuring dancers between the ages of 12 and 17 years.
As a touring ensemble Vesna has represented St. Basil's Parish and the City of Edmonton at numerous Canada Day events in Banff, Canmore and Jasper, Alberta. In addition, Vesna have shared their love of dance with audiences at the Penticton Peach Festival and Coeur d'Alene - Idaho's Festival on the Green.
This year, Vesna will be performing in Canada Day celebrations in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Bring Kupalo's Magic to your next Event!
The Kupalo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is available to perform at a variety of events throughout the year. We are able to provide colourful and exciting entertainment to functions including wedding and anniversary receptions, banquets, corporate conferences and parties, festivals and local community events.
For more information on how you can have Kupalo perform at your event please contact Shelley Borowski at (708 417-7759) or via email: shelley.borowski@shaw.ca
A word from our Artistic Director
‘Pride, passion and a dash of magic!...that is what has made Kupalo an enduring success for the last 27 years.
As the Artistic Director for 14 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.
