Ukrainian dancers coming to town

Thermopolis has a unique opportunity coming in October that is sure to be not only entertaining, but educational as well.

Golden Gates Dancers offers audiences an entertaining and authentic glimpse into the Ukraine through music, song, and dance. The repertoire is centered around masterpieces of Ukrainian Dance representing a diversity of traditions, ranging from gently humorous songs, to elaborate lyrical suites, to pulsating dance numbers.

The program is broad and varied, with something to appeal to everyone, including audience participation though clapping and learning Ukrainian songs and words. Dances, instrumentals, songs and audience participation combine for an exhilarating and educational performance for audiences of all ages.

Golden Gates is group of young talented artists from the Ukraine. Performers are selected from Ensemble “Radost” that just celebrated its 75th Anniversary. The group represents culture, traditions, music and dance of their country as part of the program in combination with an instrumental trio, Moscow Nights.

Golden Gates started to tour USA nationally in 2003. Each tour lasts for 4-5 weeks and covers 20-25 states. The program builds bridges across cultures through music and dance. By introducing their culture to the American People, young cultural ambassadors also get a great opportunity to learn about American culture, history and people.

Folks will have a chance to meet Ukrainians and get a glimpse of Ukrainian culture. Performances include some time to explain the background and to answer audience questions.

The visiting students are being hosted in local homes and will perform a school assembly in addition to the public performance.

The free public performance is on Friday October 11th at 7pm in the Auditorium.

These activities are sponsored by Hot Springs County School District.