Rusalka to represent Ukrainian Canadian community during Ukraine's 10th anniversary celebrations (08/12/01)

Rusalka to represent Ukrainian Canadian community during Ukraine's 10th anniversary celebrations

WINNIPEG - The Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble has released the itinerary for its tour of Ukraine on August 10-28, the third tour to Ukraine in the company's 40-year history.

"Since 1962, Rusalka has brought the high spirited and colorful traditions of Ukrainian culture to audiences around the world," said Rick Mantey, chair of the board of directors. "We look forward to once again showcasing this dynamic group of men and women who make up this outstanding company."

Departing from Winnipeg on August 10, the ensemble will begin its tour in Lviv, with a performance at the famous Lviv Opera House on August 13. This will be followed by a concert and reception in Drohobych on August 14.

August 16 will see Rusalka give a benefit concert for orphans at the Unist Cultural Center in Lviv. Dancers and members of the board of directors have collected stuffed animals, medical supplies and other items that will be presented on behalf of the company.

The 10th anniversary of Ukraine's independence coincides with the Third World Forum of Ukrainians, hosted this year by the City of Kyiv. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has selected Rusalka to represent the Ukrainian Canadian community during the World Forum at a concert on August 18. This will be followed by Rusalka's participation in celebrations planned by the City of Kyiv on August 24.

"We are very grateful to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for this designation," said Mr. Mantey. "This is a singular honor to represent over 1 million Ukrainian Canadians at these significant events."

Rusalka will retrace the steps of its original tour of Ukraine in 1979 and conclude its tour in Ternopil, prior to departing for Vienna and Winnipeg.

Over the years Rusalka has grown from a group of eager youngsters into an ensemble of polished performers whom critics rank with professionals. From its native Winnipeg, Rusalka has expanded its horizons, reaching an ever-widening audience. Major tours throughout Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and Ukraine, and performances for heads of state and royalty, have placed Rusalka among the most widely recognized Ukrainian dance groups in the world.

Internationally, Rusalka has performed at the Mundial Festival in Guadalajara, Mexico, and at the International Festival of Youth Orchestras in London, England, Aberdeen, Scotland, and Rome, Italy.

In 1979 Rusalka became the first Ukrainian Canadian dance ensemble to visit Ukraine, studying under the Veriovka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Kyiv. This tour was followed up with another successful tour of Ukraine in 1992. The knowledge gained through these tours has proved invaluable to the ensemble's development.

During its 20th anniversary year, 1982, Rusalka was privileged to give a command performance for and was granted a private audience with Pope John Paul II at his summer residence outside of Rome.

Rusalka has also embarked upon successful tour opportunities in the Orient. The ensemble was the first Canadian performing group to ever tour Taiwan, breaking new ground in cultural exchanges. This groundbreaking continued the company's successful tour of Thailand. Under the royal patronage of the Crown Prince of Thailand, the concerts proved to be a new and exciting experience for Thai people. Successful trips to Australia have provided strong and lasting ties with both Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian communities on the island continent.

Rusalka has performed with the world-renowned Royal Winnipeg Ballet on many occasions throughout its 40-year history. The premiere performance of the Ukrainian ballet "Legin," by Dimitri Chutro is one of the special events indelibly etched in Rusalka memories.

"This tour marks the beginning of the celebrations surrounding Rusalka's 40th anniversary," explained Mr. Mantey. "I know of no better way to kick off these celebrations than by returning to the roots of Ukrainian dance, which will continue to serve as the fabric for Rusalka's development for the next 40 years."

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