The 1950's


In 1949 in Manchester, ballet master & choreographer Petro Lazoryshak-Dnistrowyk started a dance ensemble, named after the Cossack Hetman Pylyp Orlyk.

Under his leadership, as an expert in the field of Ukrainian Folk Dance, in those first years of its existence Orlyk earned great recognition for its performances amongst the International public.

1950's


At the Edinburgh International Festivals Orlyk was judged the winner on four occasions. Similarly in the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, held in Wales, Orlyk achieved first and second places.

In 1950 the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) awarded Orlyk the honorary title of the Representative Folk Dance Ensemble in Great Britain.

1955


In 1955 Orlyk took part in International Festivals in Italy and France. Their performances were a triumph for Ukrainian Folk Dance. The Presidium for both these Festivals awarded Orlyk first places.

1958


At the end of 1958 Orlyk was invited to accompany the Tara Shevchenko Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus, from the USA, on a European wide tour. The public from almost 50 cities and towns saw the high standard of Ukrainian dance, the multicoloured hues of costume and listened to the lyrical melodies of their music. This momentous tour saw them documented in the film ‘Europe by Night’.