The Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky Youth Award in Ukrainian Dance has been presented annually at the Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival in Regina, Saskatchewan since 2015. (Complete List of Winners, below.) This award is bestowed to the dancer selected by the Adjudicator as “communicating joy and passion for the art form, conveying the heart and soul of Ukrainian culture and tradition.’ The award includes: • an engraved medal • a $100 cheque for the winning dancer • $100 for the group to which the dancer belongs • a copy of “Show Them What You Can Do” ~ Building the Ukrainian Spirit Across Canada: An Illustrated Biography of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky. In addition, an engraved trophy is on permanent display at Tavria School of Ukrainian Dance, which is also the recipient of a memorial bequest from the family of Pavlo Yavorsky.
As daughter of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky, I administer the award each year, which includes a congratulatory note which says, in part, “My father was born in Saskatchewan, but his childhood was marked by a focus on his Ukrainian heritage through stories, songs and poetry related to him by his mother, sharing the beauty of her homeland. Her descriptions came alive in his imagination, igniting a passion for expressing himself through Ukrainian dance and music and compelling him to share his cultural gifts coast-to-coast across Canada. But Ukraine was under Soviet rule throughout most of his lifetime, and when its sovereignty was declared in 1990, he was 75 years old — and finally able to travel there, to see for himself what his mother had so vividly described. … My father was a kind, generous, fun-loving person who would want you to know that your hard work and dedication to practising and performing are of value to your character and your culture. I hope you will find his story interesting, and that you will be inspired to continue to develop your creative talents and celebrate Ukrainian arts and culture. Keep up the good work ~ my father would be so proud of you!”
2024 AWARD-WINNER: Caitlyn Putz
The 2024 winner of the Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky Youth Award in Ukrainian Dance was Caitlyn Putz of Rushnychok Ukrainian Folk Dance Association, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for her Polissia solo performance which scored 95 in the 15-16 age category. Caitlyn was also our 2016 winner. Congratulations to Caitlyn!
2023 AWARD-WINNER: Sebastian Kawula
From the Kawula family submission
“Sebastian Kawula is ten years old. He is the seventh in a family of eight children and has lived in beautiful Prince Albert, Saskatchewan his whole life. Prince Albert has a vibrant and supportive Ukrainian community, including Sebastian’s great-grandmother who was named Citizen Of The Year for bringing her Ukrainian culture and hospitality to the whole community. Sebastian started Ukrainian dancing at 6 years of age with the Prince Albert Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Club. All of Sebastian’s siblings also Ukrainian dance, and now he has the biggest trophy of any of them ~ and he makes sure to remind them of that fact! Sebastian approaches everything he does with enthusiasm, dedication and inquisitiveness. He loves asking questions and figuring things out.
“Sebastian is in Grade 5, homeschooled through Seton Home Study. Being an altar server and helping Grandpa in the shop are some of his favourite things to do. In school, his favourite subject is reading history. He immediately read the biography about Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky provided with the trophy he received, and was very excited about the life that Pavlo lived and the sacrifices he made to bring Ukrainian dance, history and culture to Canada in a meaningful way. It really made an impact on Sebastian that he owes his ability to Ukrainian dance to the people who made sure to start clubs and keep the culture alive and vibrant. The joyful culture and community involved with Ukrainian dancing constantly inspire and encourage him. Ukrainian dance has helped Sebastian connect with his heritage in a unique way and has given him the confidence that he carries with him in everything he does.
“Winning this youth award is truly an immense honour and has enriched Sebastian and his family with an understanding of the dedication and legacy of those like Mr. Yavorsky who have laid the foundation for Ukrainian dancing and cultural preservation in Canada. Through his dancing, Sebastian is both proud and humbled to uphold the legacy of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky.”
2022 FESTIVAL BACKGROUND: From March 11-13, 2022, the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary; results were delayed not by the pandemic but the war in Ukraine (initiated by Russia on February 24, 2022), of great concern and importance to Ukrainians across Canada.
2022 AWARD-WINNER: Lena Gabrush
Submitted by Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival
“Lena Gabrush is a Ukrainian dancer from the Rushnychok Ukrainian folk dance association in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She turned 12 years old this spring and loves to dance. [In addition to] her Ukrainian dance studies, she also takes ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and hip-hop dance. When she is not dancing she loves to spend time with friends and family. Lena has embraced her Ukrainian culture her entire life; mostly through dance, she has been involved in her church, fund-raising efforts for orphans in Ukraine and now to support Ukraine through these difficult times. She enjoys celebrating two Christmases and two Easters! Her favourite Ukrainian celebration each year is Malanka. She loves the food, the dancing, folktales, the carols, and the party. Lena dreams about being a professional dancer in her future and as part of that she also dreams about dancing with the Pavlychenko Folklorique ensemble in Saskatoon. She also hopes that she can follow in the footsteps of her mom and teach Ukrainian dancing to many dancers in the future. In 2018, Lena travelled to Ukraine with a group of fellow dancers; she has also travelled to Las Vegas and Niagara Falls and is heading to Ottawa for nationals with her jazz solo. Dance and art are one and the same and infusing dance with culture makes it one of the most special connections to her Ukrainian heritage.”
2021 FESTIVAL RESULTS
In 2020, the festival took place mere days before the coronavirus completely changed the world, and in February, 2021, the pandemic was still causing disruption, requiring big changes to what were once routine activities.
In that unusual year, the festival was titled Tavria Virtual Festival, taking place in mid-April 2021 and the decision was made not to award trophies and medals. In an effort to create a light-hearted atmosphere and still encourage and acknowledge the dancers in practise and performance, The Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky Youth Award in Ukrainian Dance took the form of a ‘COVID CONSOLATION PRIZE’: Every festival registrant was entered to win 1 of 4 prize packages, each consisting of a $50 cheque & a copy of the book, ‘Show Them What You Can Do’ ~ Building the Ukrainian Spirit Across Canada: The Illustrated Biography of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky.
The poster stated: “Mr. Yavorsky was a kind, generous, fun-loving person who would want you to know that your hard work and dedication to practising and performing are of value to your character and your culture. His book prize may inspire you, and the money prize could be used to embellish your costume, or celebrate with your dance group, family & friends. Did someone say… “Pizza Party!” ? Good luck in the draw!”
AND THE 2021 WINNERS ARE… !
As announced by Festival Chairperson, Carolyn Griffin:
“Congratulations to all the dancers! Their entries to the Tavria Virtual Festival were fantastic! Congratulations to the instructors and parents for persevering in this crazy Covid situation we find ourselves in!
We are fortunate to have Darene Roma Yavorsky offer a $200 scholarship every year for our Solo award. Due to Covid and hosting online, Tavria made the decision to not award trophies. Darene decided to split her scholarship into 4 awards, and every dancer entered into the Tavria Festival 2021 had a chance to win! Congratulations to the winners:
Nina Heisler – 301F – Central Solo – Rushnychok – Saskatoon
Willow Davis, Finley Hudye, Haven Krawetz, Meesha Romanuik, Makayla Romaniuk, Kira Salahub – 704F – Volyn Medium Group Female – Sadok – Kamsack
Olivia Amon – 901F – Polisia Solo – Tavria – Regina
Allie Babiuk, Shaye Burym, Avery Masley, Evan Romanchuk – 303F – Central Small Group Female – Barvinok – Sturgis
Cheques will be sent to the winning dance schools. Also included will be a copy of Darene’s book celebrating the life and accomplishments of her father – Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky.
Hannah did a fabulous job adjudicating for the Tavria Festival! She recorded a message to all the dancers, instructors and parents.
I will be mailing out certificates for all the dancers plus a small token to acknowledge participation in the Tavria Virtual Festival. I will be sending links to Hannah’s adjudication of your dances in the next day or so.
Thank you so much for being patient as we navigated our first ever virtual Festival! Dancers, instructors and parents – pat yourselves on the back! You are amazing! Dancers continued to celebrate Ukrainian dance, working hard to improve their technique, and had a huge smile under that mask when they were finally able to put on a costume and perform!!
Enjoy the memories made this dance season. Have a wonderful summer!
Carolyn Griffin, Festival Chairperson”
2020 AWARD-WINNER: Masha Matyushenko
The 2020 Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival weekend fell on March 13-15: only two days before the coronavirus pandemic descended upon the world, causing disruption in the usual flow of information. As of May 21, details are now available and we are pleased to report that Masha Matyushenko won this honour for the second year in a row!
2019 AWARD-WINNER: Masha Matyushenko
The 2019 winner was given top marks of 100% Gold in the 15/16-year-old group for her Poltavsky solo. For Masha Matyushensko of Leleka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Saskatoon, Ukrainian dance (taught by her mother) has been a love of hers since the age of 3. Winning the award makes her “grateful and feeling fantastic, happy and appreciative,” she says. “I always love to perform. It makes me happy and proud as I was born in Ukraine… I am very excited to be recipient of the award. It feels great and inspires me to do even better…”
2018 AWARD-WINNER: Bria Sieben
The 2018 award recipient was 8-year-old Bria Sieben, a member of the North Battleford, Saskatchewan ensemble, Svoboda Dancers. During the Tavria Festival weekend, March 16-18, Bria’s outstanding solo performances featured traditional dances of the Transcarpathian and Poltavsky regions of Ukraine. Bria is pictured below with her well-deserved tributes.
2017 AWARD-WINNER: Henry Kozyn
2017 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival, with competitions taking place in Regina March 17-19. The winner of the Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky Youth Award in Ukrainian Dance was presented to 6-year-old Henry Kozun, of Tavria Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble. Henry won a mark of 89 Silver for the impressive musicality demonstrated in this Poltavsky Solo (choreographed by Ivanna Zwarych).
2016 AWARD-WINNER: Caitlyn Putz
In 2016, the Best Solo Performance was by Caitlyn Putz (dancing Volyn Solo) of Rushnychok Ukrainian Folk Dance Association, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Congratulations to Caitlyn, whose outstanding mark of 95 Gold won her The Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky Youth Award in Ukrainian Dance, “presented to the student whose solo performance communicates joy and passion for the art form, conveying the heart and soul of Ukrainian culture and tradition.” The award includes a $100 cheque for the winning performer, a $100 cheque for the dance group to which the performer belongs, an engraved medal (on neck ribbon), a copy of “Show Them What You Can Do” ~ Building the Ukrainian Spirit Across Canada: An Illustrated Biography of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky, and the trophy, engraved with the winner’s name, kept on display at Tavria School of Ukrainian Dance, Regina, Saskatchewan.
2015 INAUGURAL AWARD-WINNER: Michael Tchoupiak
The inaugural winner was Michael Tchoupiak of Yachminka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Russell, Man., for his exceptional Poltavsky solo performance.
Instructed by Tim Sliva of Yorkton, Sask., Michael was selected for Adjudicator’s Choice, Solo Performance “presented to the dance student whose solo performance communicates joy and passion for the art form, conveying the heart and soul of Ukrainian culture and tradition.” Adjudication was by Gabriela Rehak, Artistic Director of Rozmai Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Winnipeg, Man., and a faculty member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School.
At the awards ceremony, Festival chairperson Carolyn Griffin introduced the inaugural award with a brief history of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky, the Saskatchewan Nation-Builder and CYMK founder who shared his love of Ukrainian heritage and culture over his lifetime (1914-1998) through his own Ukrainian folk ballet performances, as well as teaching dance to Ukrainian communities across Canada from an early age.
Dennis Kaminsky, nephew of the late Pavlo Yavorsky, made the award presentation, which included an engraved medal and a $100 cheque to the winning dancer, as well as a copy of “Show Them What You Can Do” ~ Building the Ukrainian Spirit Across Canada: An Illustrated Biography of Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky; an additional $100 was provided for Michael’s dance group, Yachminka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. An engraved trophy will be on permanent display at Tavria School of Ukrainian Dance, which is also the recipient of a memorial bequest from the family of Pavlo Yavorsky.
The 23rd annual Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival, which took place at the Regina Performing Arts Centre on Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15, was attended by more than 350 dancers representing 18 dance schools from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba; the performers ranged in age from the 6-and-under category to 30+.
FOR MORE INFORMATION…
Visit the Tavria website at: https://tavria.org/festival/ or e-mail tavriafestival@gmail.com. For details about The Pavlo Romanovich Yavorsky Youth Award in Ukrainian Dance, e-mail Darene Roma Yavorsky at wordandimage@brucetelecom.com