Telling the story of Ukraine in Texas since 1976

2021 Zorya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Dallas at Westfest, West, Texas

 

Zorya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Dallas is a unique folk dance group that has been entertaining audiences throughout Texas for over 45 years. The name Zorya, meaning Rising Star, was chosen not only to reflect the group's Ukrainian roots but also its ties to the Lone Star State. From its home grown "Texan" dance to its traditional performance of the quintessential Ukrainian dance "Hopak,” Zorya offers a spirited and exciting combination of Ukrainian folk dances for your enjoyment. 

The Ukrainian tradition of offering bread and salt on an embroidered towel is a symbol of the hospitality and kindness of the Ukrainian people and is at once a greeting, a sign of friendship, a blessing of long life and happiness, and an invitation. Zorya invites you to share in the Ukrainian cultural experience. Each region of this wide country has its own dialect and its own local flavor--through our dances, all these distinct flavors are united into what is Ukraine.

Zorya’s dance program consists of the Zaporozhetz Hertz (sword dance), Chumak (salt trader), Honyvitar (wind from the mountain), Bukovina and, Dubotanets (regional dances), Zhentsi (harvest dance), Kozachok, and Hopak.

Zorya performs throughout the year at various festivals and special events. Over the past 45 years Zorya has performed at the Van Cliburn Festival, Yakoff Smirnoff Show at Meyerson Symphony Center, International Festival at the Eisemann Center, Texas Folklife Festival, Ennis National Polka Festival, SMU Russian Festival, Westfest, Lawton International Festival, Dallas International Festival, Plano Balloon Festival, Plano International Festival, Worldfest, Addison and the State Fair of Texas.

 

Hope to see you at one of our performances.