Dancing into the future: Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School

Submitted by Venessa Schreyer, President, Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School Inc.

When the music begins — the quick, bright beat of the cymbala, the joyful whirl of violins — the boys of Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School’s Akademiya Class don’t just hear it. They become it.

This year, their leaps were higher, their boots sharper on stage, and their smiles wider — all thanks to the Cultural Preservation Fund provided by Folklorama. The grant turned a long-held dream of a dedicated boys’ dance class into reality.

For years, Sopilka has been a home for young dancers to connect with Ukrainian culture, but opportunities for boys to learn traditional steps and complex choreography in an all-boys setting were limited. That changed when the funding came through. Now, every week, the studio fills with the thud of hopak jumps, the swoosh of embroidered sashes, and the laughter of boys discovering just how exhilarating Ukrainian dance can be.

Instructor Markian Duplak created a choreography piece inspired by the work of Bukovynian Kozak of the Bukovynian State Ensemble in Chernivsti Ukraine – a challenge that pushed the boys to new heights.

Parents have seen the transformation. “We noticed our son’s passion for dance was sparked during these classes. He came out of each class excited to share what he learned. It was an amazing opportunity,” shared one parent. Another mom added, “A camaraderie was formed, and the teacher instilled both skill and passion into his students.”

For the dancers, it’s more than just movement. Jadon, one of the boys, says, “This was a class I looked forward to every week. We learned so many different techniques, and I loved hearing all of Markian’s stories.”

The grant didn’t just fund training and studio time — it invested in the future of these boys, giving them a space to grow not only as dancers, but as leaders who will carry Ukrainian traditions forward.

And when the curtain rises at their next performance, the audience won’t just see boys dancing. They’ll see heritage in motion, a community’s pride, and the promise of traditions kept alive for generations to come.

Click here to find out more about the Cultural Preservation Fund and if your initiative is eligible for funding.