Choreographers


Petro Lazoryshak-Dnistrowyk (1949 -1971)

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.

Petro Lazoryshak-Dnistrowyk passed away on the 1st March 1971.

Ivan Solovey (1971 – 1972)

On his death, dancer Ivan Solovey very successfully took over the running of the ensemble.

Ivan Solovey left Orlyk in 1972 – he passed away on 29th August 2000

Dmytro Paradiuk (1971 – 1997)

In October 1971, the dancers and musicians of Orlyk called an Extraordinary Meeting in the presence of the then Chairman of the Manchester branch of the Association of Ukrainians, Bohdan Mykytyn. They elected Ivan Solovey, Dmytro Paradiuk and Maria Babych as leaders of Orlyk.

Dmytro Paradiuk passed away on 20th March 1997.

Maria Babych (1971 – Today)

The leader and choreographer of Orlyk remains to this day Maria Babych – still dedicating much time and hard work to furthering the success of the ensemble.