Kyiv Summer Dance - Testimonials

Colleen West - 39 years old and still going strong

Associate Professor of Dance, Brigham Young University, Utah, USA

"I was impressed with Yuri Grekov's organization of the workshop. Faculty were well-prepared and highly trained in the technique of Ukrainian dance. They were professional in all aspects of their teaching and interaction with the students. The repertoire presented, was well choreographed and represented many regions within Ukraine. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I enjoyed every single minute of the workshop and also my stay in Kiev. This is a workshop is a must if you love Ukrainian dance!"

Kathryn Simson

Torquay, Victoria, Australia

"I recently returned from a trip to Ukraine a trip planned through Yuri Grekov and the International Summer school of Ukrainian Dance. I have danced in Australia for 30 years and have to say how fabulous this trip was, a trip of a lifetime. The seminar was intensive and physically exhausting but very informative, great fun and more than worthwhile making the long trip from Australia to Ukraine. The quality of teacher at the Kiev University of Art and Culture under Professor Sergei Zubatov are fantastic with an extensive Folk dance barre and 5 individually choreographed dances from different regions of Ukraine taught over a two week period. The added unexpected bonus of 2 hours a day at the Virsky studios and classes with their Ballet Master, plus being allowed to view a rehearsal of the company were definitely highlights as well. For anyone who may be contemplating joining in on a seminar I highly recommend you do. For those who have never travelled to Ukraine before a couple of things, always have toilet paper with you, get a map of the metro off the internet before you get there and be prepared to go with the flow and you will have a wonderful time."

Nadine - age 22

Vesnyanka Ukrainian Dance Company, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

"The instructors here at The National University of Arts & Culture are really nice and I'm looking forward to attending the workshop next year."

Paul - age 20

Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"This is the first opportunity I've had to study at The National University of Arts & Culture under Professor Zubatov. It was great to be in Kyiv for Independence Day where I enjoyed the festivities in Maidan Nezalezhnosti and also saw Ruslana perform. I saw many sites in Kyiv, led by our expert guide and videographer. The dancing was top-notch, providing excellent training, an excellent program and lots of material for the students. The dance instruction was both practical and theoretical. I'd live to invite other dancers to share this wonder experience!"

Shannon - age 18

The Nipawin Veselii Dancers, Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada

"The workshop in Kyiv was an experience of a life-time. The instruction was top notch and highly educational. All those involved in the International Summer School of Ukrainian Dance showed true dedication to Ukrainian dance and were more than willing to share their skills and experience with the other students."

Beth - age 27

DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"The International Summer School of Ukrainian Dance is very well organized. Our dance program was well laid out and the organizers provided a fabulous itinerary of excursions, site seeing, performances and shopping for Ukrainian treasures. Our accommodations were beautiful, our travel around Kyiv was seamless and the food and souvenirs were very inexpensive. The instructors were highly motivating and kept the energy alive in class so that we were able to accomplish as much learning as possible in two weeks. I'd highly recommend the ISSUD to anyone with a passion for Ukrainian dance, who wants to advance their skills in a short period of time."

Stephanie - age 25

DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company, Toronto Ontario, Canada

"The International Summer School of Ukrainian Dance was one of the best experiences of my life. The classes were exciting and challenging, inspiring me to reach levels of ability I never thought I could achieve in just two weeks! The activities outside of rehearsal were fun and interesting, and provided me with a rich cultural understanding of Kyiv and Ukraine. I recommend this workshop to all Ukrainian dancers around the world! It truly was an exceptional experience! I can't wait to go back again next year!"