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ZORYA 1976
- 2006 Think of a place where the Cossacks are fearless, carry swords, wear boots, belts, and hats ... cowboy hats. Imagine ... Cowboys and Cossacks? Look no further than Dallas, Texas. Texas, a state longer than the Dnipro river. Texas, where the summers are hotter than Baba's kitchen. Texas, home of ZORYA - Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. The idea of forming a Ukrainian dance group in Dallas was first conceived in 1975 by members and friend of St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral. The plan was to raise funds for the building program by participating in the upcoming Texas bicentennial celebrations. But, inorder to participate in the celebrations to be held at the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antionio all participants needed to present a performing group. The St. Seraphims planning committee chose dance because in their midst they had two accomplished Ukrainian dance enthusiasts. While Chris Semos and Dr. Lou Anthades planned the upcoming bicentennial festivities. Alex and Val Bezney, Ukrainian immigrants volunteered to form and direct the dance group. In the early 50’s Alex had learned Ukrainian from the father of Ukrainian dance in north America, the man in the black jupan, Vasyl Avramenko. Thus was conceived the "St. Seraphim Dancers." The 1976 bicentennial year was the group's Texas Folklife Festival debut in San Antonio, Texas. They were received with such enthusiasm that Alex and Val continued their work. In 1980, the group became known as the "Ukrainian Dancers of Dallas." It had become its own entity - separate from St. Seraphim's. The name "ZORYA" was chosen by the group in 1995. Most Ukrainian dance groups in North America have a Ukrainian name which represents the spirit of the group and has a special meaning to the group members. The Ukrainian Dancers of Dallas chose "ZORYA" because it means "rising star," which is in honor of their great home state of Texas, the "Lone Star State." The group is now known as "ZORYA - Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Dallas". ZORYA - has performed at such respected festivals as The State Fair of Texas, Ft. Worth Oktoberfest, Westfest, and the Texas Folklife Festival. They have also performed for the benefit of such worthy causes as helping the orphans of Ukraine, Russian and the world. The children of Chernobly and the children of Beslan. They have performed to educate the people of the Texas abut the existence, history and people of Ukraine. Zorya has been called upon to performed as opening act for Yakov Smirnoff and the Kiev Boy's Choir - both at the internationally renowned Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center; the Dallas Russian Winter Festival, the Richardson Dance Festival, the Texas Educational Theatre Association, the Dallas Opera, as well as for numerous festivals and private and functions. Following in the footsteps of Alex and Val Bezney, Tony Nakonechnyj, DeeDee Moroz Allen, Erica Nakonechnyj Dennis, Tasia Antahades, and Susie Reisser have directed Zorya. Presently and for the past five years Zorya is directed by Andrew & Larissa Chobany. Andrew has held a directorial position with the group since 1986 and has danced with Zorya since 1984. Larissa made her debut with the group in 199 as a 4 year old. She has studied dance at Tuzers Ballet in Richardson and Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Philadelphia. The charter of ZORYA - Ukrainian Dancers of Dallas is very simple: To educate the community about Ukrainian heritage in the best manner they possibly can - and that is through dance. Even though the majority of the dancers are not from Ukrainian backgrounds, there is a constant sense of respect for the heritage. It is as if they are an extended family striving for the same cause.
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