1949 saw Petro Dnistrowyk establish a school of Ukrainian Folk Dance. What brought this about? Homesickness for the land of his birth, the gentle beauty of its landscape, the enchantment of its poetry and art of its people. In a foreign land, amongst strange sights and customs, he wanted to start something for his people that would give them a breath of their native air, to feel their souls back in Ukraine. For the youth who had been torn from their motherland, a new generation of whom had been born beyond its frontiers in a strange new land to show them that their nation was capable of rebirth, to show them their roots, and to show them the wealth of their traditions, unique in the whole world. We can see that this school has through its unstinting work, brought about desired blossoming and fulfilled its original aims over the past fifty years since its establishment. On the 16th January 1949 the first meeting was held for those wishing to learn Ukrainian Folk Dance. From that day work began and so the school of dance started. The first rehearsals welcomed many men, women and children. These were unforgettable times, these first students of dance, children of Ukraine, showed a burning desire and devotion for this work. The school held rehearsals at 188 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, in buildings established as a club by the first Ukrainian settlers. These same buildings also served as a base for the local branch of the Association Of Ukrainians in Great Britain AUGB. Without worrying about fatigue from their daily work, they attended four or five rehearsals a week and gave all their free time to this cause. They all wanted to learn as quickly as possible at least two or three dances. At first there was no music, but the school soon acquired three musicians. In February of the same year costumes began to be designed and made. This was not an easy task, as materials needed to be bought and money was tight. In these postwar years rationing meant poor quality, so the first costumes were very theatrical, but the dancers had to be satisfied. Once it was established that performances were going to be held regularly amongst the Ukrainian and British audiences, the Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Orlyk was organised from the schools dancers. Their interest and untiring work quickly produced a desired repertoire so that by May they were ready for their first performances. On the 9th May 1949 Orlyk, together with the choir Homin, performed for the first time in Oldham. The number of dancers was few, as the stage was very small and some of the costumes were as yet unready. the concert was a resounding success. The dancers were ecstatic that their hard toil had proved itself worthwhile. In the following week 15th May 1949 Orlyk, again with Homin, danced at a large concert in Manchester. Sixteen pairs and three children took part. The performance again proved to be extremely successful. This gave the dancers more heart and desire for rehearsal, which became more painstaking in approach. In that same month Orlyk performed for the first time at the weeklong international festival of music in Manchester. Orlyks performances were on the 22nd, 23rd and 25th. They took part in a number of classes group, duet and childrens sections. Again enormous success was achieved. Orlyk merited an honorary first place, plus three first, two second and a third place. The public was held in rapture, and the judges prophesied a glittering future for Orlyk. In that same year Orlyk again performed in Oldham, twice more in Manchester before British audiences, at the Festival of Youth in Bolton and was especially successful at the annual Ukrainian Youth Association SUM celebrations held in Manchester.

Website: http://www.orlyk.co.uk/