Ukrainians in Troy foster heritage through dances; Discipline with a smile and sparkle (12/31/78)

Ukrainians in Troy foster heritage through dances;

The following two articles about the Troy Ukrainians dance ensemble, "Zorepad," and its director, Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, appeared in December 19 edition of The Times Record of Troy, N.Y. They show how Ukrainians in the Albany-Troy district of New York State preserve their heritage through Ukrainian dances.

Ukrainians in Troy foster heritage through dances

TROY, N.Y. - There are many steps to their culture.

They are the Ukrainians - proud of their past, firm in their beliefs and fierce in their fight to preserve that culture.

The Ukrainian dance is an important symbol of their heritage - embodying their attitudes toward life, their past and their future, toward nature and love.

Anything that is that important to a people is passed down from generation to generation - from parents to children, from children to their children.

"Zorepad" - which means shooting stars in Ukrainian - is a Ukrainian dance group, composed of 40 Ukrainian youngsters from throughout the Capital District. They study a variety of Ukrainian dances at Troy's Ukrainian Hall, 391 Second St., under the direction of Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, a New York City dance instructor.

Dressed in their traditional hand-embroidered Ukrainian costumes - resembling those from the mountainous Carpathian section of Ukraine or from Kiev, the region's central part - the youngers' every step is a continuation of the Ukrainian heritage.

"We feel it is important to promote and keep intact the heritage of the Ukrainian culture," said Daria Jakubowycz, the spokesman for the group. "Our dance is unique and we feel it is important for the children to have this experience. It ties them to their roots."

Mrs. Jakubowycz also stressed that through the dance group, which was founded three years ago by Michael Heretz, head of the parents committee, through Troy's St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the children have the opportunity to make lasting friendships, build up their bodies and develop poise and grace.

For these Ukrainians, the dance group is a family affair. Every Sunday, from September through May, nearly 30 families from as far away as Hudson and Amsterdam bring their children to the hall for their lessons. The lessons for the youngsters, who range in age from seven to 19 years old, take up most of the afternoon.

The dances are basically considered folk dances which incorporate ballet. The children, who are divided into two groups, go through a variety of routines, workouts and steps before putting the whole thing together. While most of the children are bilingual, they got the opportunity to pick up more Ukrainian since the instructions are given in that language.

During the lessons, the children wear regular sweat suits. The handmade costumes are reserved for special performances. With these costumes costing as much as $80 for the older children and $50 for the younger ones, families must be willing to make sacrifices to afford their children this opportunity, Mrs. Jakubowycz said.

While the children go through their workouts, the parents meet to make plans for the group. The unit does receive aid from the state, but the parents must plan other fund-raising events to keep the group going.

The dancers are in dire need of live music, Mrs. Jakubowycz said. "There is nothing like dancing to real music," she said. "We use records and tapes, but we'd love to have a small three-piece orchestra for the group. But again it involves money. It always seems to involve money."

Discipline with a smile and sparkle

Watching her put her children through their paces, you are struck by her discipline, her devotion to perfection and the firmness in her commands.

But, it's her smile and the sparkle in her eyes that gives her away.

An interpretive dancer and choreographer of international repute, Roma Pryma Bohachevsky's role in introducing area youngsters to the world of Ukrainian dancing is of equal importance to her.

Traveling by bus from New York City to Troy's Ukrainian Hall every Sunday for the past two years, Ms. Pryma-Bohachevsky is devoted to teaching dance to the Ukrainian youngsters of the Capital District.

"I find that it's important for youngsters to be active," said Mrs. Pryma-Bohachevsky, who was once engaged by the Insbruck Opera as prima ballerina. "Dancing is one of the arts that can help a youngster develop body coordination, good discipline and self confidence.

"For this group (the "Zorepad"), dancing is part of their heritage. They can learn about it through the various dances.

"I feel very much at home here. I love the children," she said. "I am strict but they enjoy themselves."

The mother of two children, Mrs. Pryma Bohachevsky has specialized in the stylized ethnic art of dance. Leaders in the profession have called for original, highly imaginative and in step with the substance of folklore and legends.

Her career led to associations with Harold Kreusberg and Martha Graham. Her choreographic credits include "Cinderella," "The Magic Blossom," "Peer Gynt," "The Hutsulian Fantasy" and the "Dance of the Fates."

In between lessons here and running her own ballet school in New York City, which she has operated since 1964, Mrs. Pryma Bohachevsky holds workshops for intermediate and advanced students of Ukrainian dance. Emphasis is placed on improving the student's ability, style and form according to professional standards.

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