Malanka weekend in Florida marks dancers' 50th anniversary

MIAMI - It was indeed a magical weekend as the Ukrainian Dancers of Miami sponsored a 50th anniversary malanka bash. Hosted on January 15-17 at the Sheraton in Fort Lauderdale, the event was a spectacular three days!

On Friday, the dancers hosted an intimate cocktail reception at which guests met and greeted friends old and new from Tampa to Toronto. The evening was highlighted by the arrival of Canadians Ron Cahute and Burya, who almost didn't make it out of the rough Canadian winter. They were more than pleased to be greeted by the balmy breezes of southern Florida.

Saturday night was the night to celebrate, and everyone hit the dance floor once Burya began its first set. The floor was filled for every song as the incredibly talented and energetic band played such favorites as "Ride, Kozak, Ride" and the rousing "Home Brew/Orange Blossom Special."

A special treat for local singers Trio Maksymowich was the chance to sing an American favorite, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" with their favorite Ukrainian band.

Naturally, the Ukrainian Dancers of Miami were coaxed into dancing the Hopak at the event, followed by a rousing 20-minute "kolomyika" which brought forth other fellow "tantsurysty." The crowd couldn't get enough, and nobody wanted the evening to end, so the party moved to the suite of Donna and Richard Waskiewicz, where dancers, band and guests enjoyed themselves for hours afterward.

On Sunday morning divine liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. lvan M. Freishyn-Chirovsky of the Dormition (Assumption) Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Miami. Afterwards there was a grand champagne brunch, and the delightfully entertaining children's show "Barabolya." The children attending danced for almost every song as they sang along, and even the most reserved adults were caught up in the fun.

The Ukrainian Dancers of Miarni and their 50th anniversary committee thanked all who attended, and everyone who helped to make their malanka a reality. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Cahute, Jerry Hryhorsky, David and Michael Monis - the great men of Burya - for the best party southern Florida has ever seen.

Folks from the northern U.S. and Canada often think that there aren't many Ukrainians this a south. Many travelers will now return to their much colder towns with the news that, not only are there proud Ukrainians alive and well in southern Florida, but they are worth visiting. Plans are already in the works for Malanka 2000. Anyone interested in the weekend bash in sunny Miami/Fort Lauderdale, may call (954) 434-4635 or visit the website at: http://www.UkrainianDancersMiami.org.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 21, 1999, No. 12, Vol. LXVII

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