ABOUT PODILYA
Established in 1996, Podilya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is made up of a dedicated group of highly accomplished dancers, whose aim is to preserve and promote the traditional art of Ukrainian dance.
Known and respected worldwide, our audiences are not only entertained with the group’s innovative choreography and backbreaking acrobatics, but also by the elaborate, hand embroidered costumes and accompanying folk melodies. What makes the group’s performances so memorable is their passion for dance and the strong Ukrainian spirit that beats in the hearts of the dancers.
Under the current choreographer, Linda Szlachetko, Podilya represent the Ukrainian Youth Association in Manchester and currently have over 70 participating dancers ranging from 4 up to 29 years of age.
From theatre productions to television appearances, international festivals to cabarets, Podilya can cater for any event.
For more information or to book Podilya for your event please contact:
Linda Szlachetko 07833 458683
Paul Okopskyj 07850 751698
TESTIMONIALS
Highly recommended
*****
"One thing that struck you was how fit they must be: limber through twelve gruelling dances, many four minutes long. There were classic Cossack moves, the men squatting and kicking their legs out horizontally, backs always ramrod straight. The audience clearly loved this, just as they did the dancers’ high leaps while doing the splits. Other routines were kaleidoscopic in nature as the members of the ensemble flowed in and out of different combinations, spinning fast with arms outstretched. Some of these steps, it occurred to you, might have inspired the early breakdancers."
IAN MOLE
OUR PAST PERFORMANCES
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GREECE TOUR
Podilya participated in the North Pieria International Dance Festival, alongside groups from Poland, Canada, India, France, Romania and Greece. Reflecting on the tour, dancer Halyna said: “The trip saw us perform our dances to brilliant crowds, as well as meeting other dance groups from across the globe – of course, the beachside location and sunshine weren’t too bad either! We love spending time together, we’re like a family. We created some unforgettable memories in Greece this summer and can’t wait to see where our love of Ukrainian dance takes us next.”
tHE uKRAINIANS - shCHEDRYK MUSIC VIDEO
Podilya were honoured to collaborate with ‘The Ukrainians’ on the music video for their unique, frantic Cossack folk-punk take on the infamous Ukrainian carol, ‘Shchedryk‘. Podilya stayed true to the cultures and traditions of the mountainous Hutsul region of Ukraine; incorporating the rich orange embroidery, intricate footwork and swift vertical movements. They even stepped up to the challenge of dancing in the dark and around a fire!
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lviv international ukrainian dance & culture festival
The group jumped at the chance to ‘return home’ and partake in the inaugural International Dance & Cultural Festival in Lviv. Podilya performed in prominent locations across the city including Rynok Square, the Dzherelo Rehabilitation Centre and the Lviv Opera & Ballet Theatre, leaving audiences, and fellow performers, in raptures. The group was also lucky enough take part in workshops lead by the Yunist Ensemble and mix with fellow groups from across the globe.
SKY 1'S GOT TO DANCE
Of the 3,000 hopefuls, Podilya were one of the final 28 acts to reach the live semi-finals in season 2’s ‘Got To Dance’. The group were proud to be a part of the show and grateful for the opportunity to represent Ukrainians across the UK and showcase the beauty of Ukrainian culture with the nation.
