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| The Ukrainians are Coming to Middfest Finally |
| Thursday, September 25, 2003 2:32:41 PM - Middletown Ohio |
Halychnya, a 17 member dance ensemble from the Ukraine, a part of the former Soviet Union, is finally coming to Middfest International…a full year late. They first appeared at Middfest in 1993 when Eastern Europe was featured. In 2002, they had planned to appear as a part of the 20 year/25 country retrospective at Middfest but visa problems prevented their travel.
Finally, they have ironed out the visa problems and will be on the Middfest stage as a part of Middfest 2003. “Though they’re from a little northeast of Scotland, we’re delighted they’re coming,” said Virginia Ritan, Executive Director of Middfest International. Scotland is the featured country for 2003 but several other cultures will also be in evidence at the international celebration of world friendship.
The group’s troubles in acquiring visa clearance to travel reportedly stems from the group’s refusal to deny its proud Ukrainian heritage. For years, the group refused to change its performance style of traditional Ukrainian dance. The founder, Jaroslaw Chuperchuk, was exiled to Siberia because of his strong stance. With the easing of such restrictions, they are now free to perform in other countries. Halychnya recently completed a performance tour in Germany and will perform at Middfest International in Middletown, Ohio and then travel to Los Angeles, California, to perform in an international dance competition.
Performing groups make their own travel and financial arrangements. Once in Middletown, local families open their homes to the performers and see that the international guests are comfortable and provide transportation to the various performance venues. Many host families have made lasting friendships with people from other countries and often visit their friends in those countries.
Middfest International is a year-long international friendship educational program culminating in a three-day festive event in downtown Middletown, Ohio. The October 3,4,5 event includes entertainment, demonstrations and many ethnic and American foods. Admission is $5 for Adults. Children are admitted free. For more information, please call 513-425-7707, email middfest@siscom.net, or visit the website at www.middfestinternational.org. |
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