UKRAINIAN KALEIDOSCOPE

“Breadbasket of the Commonwealth of Independent States”

Opening the program with the traditional welcoming ceremony of bread and salt, Sergei Shapoval takes the audience on a cultural adventure to Ukraine. Ukraine is one of the leading farming, industrial and mining regions in Europe. This newly independent country has its own language, customs and one of the highest literacy rates in the world.

In the assembly and workshop presentations, the audience will gain a new picture of the “Breadbasket of the Commonwealth of Independent States” through its music, dance and rich traditions. They will hear folk music played on both the domra and bandura. After donning a straw bril or a flower vanook, some will participate in the Hopak dance. Others will play traditional folk instruments and form a “troisty musyky.” Shoes, currency, school books and Pysanky eggs are only a few of the objects that give the audience a look at both traditional and modern daily life in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Kaleidoscope program is available year-round.

“I wanted to tell you how much our students loved the Ukrainian Kaleidoscope presentation. It was a very special day for our Ukrainian and Russian population. They were so excited when they were allowed to talk to Sergei in their native language. For kids that had been struggling in class in front of their English-speaking peers, this was a time for them to “shine.” The other students were impressed that they could really speak another language with someone else.

Sergei was wonderful with the kids. He is a very patient teacher and kept the attention of every student. The interactivity of the presentation made learning fun for the students. They talked about it for days. The parents who attended were equally impressed with Sergei and his rapport with the students. He was not only a performer, but also a person and teacher who did not hesitate to talk with students and adults alike when the opportunity arose. He made it easy for us to see similarities as well as differences between the two cultures.”

Barbara Raines, ESOL Coordinator/Teacher, Northwest Elementary - Houstonia, MO