At the Soyuzivka Heritage Center in Kerhonkson, 140 young individuals dressed in vibrant costumes performed the famous Ukrainian folk dance, the Hopak. The dancers exhibited remarkable precision and skill, executing impressive moves such as squatting, arms folded, and kicking their feet with impeccable straightness. Some even leaped into the air, grabbing their feet, one even doing a split jump. Their performance was reminiscent of basketball players or figure skaters suspended in mid-air. Throughout the performance, their smiles conveyed their pride in representing a culture that has overcome centuries of conquest and occupation. Despite the challenges faced by Ukraine, such as Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ongoing invasion, the language, literature, and folk dances continue to thrive.
Ania Lonkevych, the executive director of the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky School of Dance, emphasized the importance of preserving Ukrainian culture. According to her, if they don’t take the initiative to preserve their own culture, no one else will. The dance camps at Soyuzivka play a vital role in this preservation effort.
The Ukrainian immigrant community in the United States has a long history of maintaining their traditions. The first wave of Ukrainians who came to the US in the late 1800s were unable to practice their customs due to Tsarist policies. As a result, they held onto their culture and established institutions like Svoboda, the world’s oldest Ukrainian language newspaper. Despite restrictive immigration laws and cultural suppression by the Soviets, Ukrainians in America persevered.
Soyuzivka, also known as Susie Q, was established by the Ukrainian National Association in 1952. Situated in the scenic Shawangunk Mountains, the center became a hub of Ukrainian culture and a place for relaxation. It offers cottage rentals and hosts events for both Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians. General manager Stephen Barankewicz expressed concern for the future of Soyuzivka, as the pandemic has taken its toll. He believes that preserving this cultural institution is crucial.
Other opportunities for recreation and cultural preservation include the Ukrainian American Youth Association camp in Ellenville and the Ukrainian Plast scouting camp in East Chatham. Many Ukrainians have purchased property in Kerhonkson, and a thriving community of artists has settled in Woodstock. A similar institution, Verkhovyna Cultural and Resort Center in Glen Spey, operates more as a resort than a cultural center.
Roman Hirniak, president of the Ukrainian National Association, emphasizes the importance of passing on Ukrainian identity through generations. He is grateful for his parents’ dedication to their culture, as it has given him something to pass on to his own children. Roman Wasylyk, Soyuzivka’s business administrator, recalls the challenges he faced as a Ukrainian immigrant child but finds solace in the close-knit community and shared cultural celebrations.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
