The History of Orlyk Continued


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 school's 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. 'Orlyk's' performances were on the 22nd, 23rd and 25th. They took part in a number of classes - group, duet and children's 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.

The year 1949 saw 'Orlyk' perform 11 times in total. There were 47 members in the group: 19 women, 18 men, 7 children and 3 musicians.