veselka ukrainian dance ensemble
Veselka is the Ukrainian word for ‘rainbow’. Through the various traditional and contemporary dances performed by this ensemble, Veselka represents the vibrant and colourful culture of Ukraine.
The group was established in 1952 under the name "The Ukrainian National Ballet" by Natalia Tyrawski, Veselka’s first artistic director and choreographer. She was born, studied and performed professionally in Ukraine and taught dancing for almost 50 years. It was not until 1966 that the ensemble began performing under the name Veselka, under the continued leadership and direction of Natalia Tyrawski up until the early 1990's.
The late Mr Ivan Shestowsky was Veselka's first administrator and his efforts have helped to maintain the group as a icon of the Ukrainian culture here in Australia. His contribution has lead to the remarkable success of the group over the years.
In the 1990's a number of artistic directors had the privilege of working with Natalia Tyrawsky including, Christina Kolomijec, Slawko Sywak, Bohdan Myronuik and Natalka Rybak who took over as artistic director and choreographer of Veselka in 1998. Upon the return of Veselka's successful tour of Canada in mid 2002, Slawko Sywak took over the role of Veselka's artistic director and choreographer and now both Slawko and Natalka Rybak work together to lead the group.
Today, the ensemble is comprised of two groups, ‘Veselchata’ or junior Veselka, comprising of 30 younger dancers ranging in age from 5 to 12 years and Veselka with over 20 dancers. Both groups are based and rehearse in the Sydney suburb of Lidcombe.
While maintaining its high profile with Ukrainians, Veselka has ventured beyond community functions and has performed at Folkloric Festivals at the Sydney Opera House, the Carnivale at Government House, suburban cultural festivals, clubs, weddings and business functions. The ensemble has also performed outside of Sydney including Canberra, Melbourne, Uluru, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Perth and has also toured Ukraine, Canada and the USA.
With its colourful costumes and energetic dancers, every performance is a celebration of the rich cultural traditions of Ukraine, from the welcome of bread and salt in the Pryvit, to the lively finale of the Hopak. Veselka believes that the wealth of a nation lies in its heritage, particularly dance.
