The Harriman-Jewell Series will present the Kansas City debut of the internationally acclaimed Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at the Folly Theater (12th and Central Sts.) in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The rich Ukrainian cultural heritage will unfold on stage in a dazzling display of 850 colorful costumes and virtuosic dance.

The evening's program will exhibit the exquisite charm of Ukrainian folk dancing and the wealth of its traditions that have been warmly received by audiences all over the world. Many of the 16 dances to be performed are from Ukrainian traditions while others are new creations. Highlights include Ukraine, My Ukraine, a greeting dance that showcases the diverse regions of Ukraine; Povzunets (Cossack Playful Dance), a light-hearted jaunt that demonstrates technical ability and nearly inexhaustible mastery; and Little Willow, a female dance-allegory that is drawn from a folk song. And no Ukrainian program would be complete without Hopak, or the “Hopping Dance," in which almost every dance step is accompanied by a “Hop” exclamation. additional program information

Named for its founder Pavlo Virsky, the renowned folk dance ensemble has embraced the beauty of its native Ukraine as well as the humor and optimism of its people. The ensemble was founded in 1937 when Pavlo Virsky and Mykola Bolotov, well-known Ukrainian ballet masters, brought together a group of folk dancers. Myroslav Vantukh, Pavlo Virsky’s disciple and great expert in folk traditions and ethnography, has been in charge of the ensemble since 1980. Vantukh's main objective is the careful preservation and development of folk choreographic art.

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We hope to see you at this Kansas City debut performance!