“Hromovytsia” Presents New Production “Seeds” in Chicago

In Skokie, near Chicago, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts hosted a large концерт by the Ukrainian dance ensemble Hromovytsia Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. The group opened its spring season with a new production titled “Seeds,” inspired by the image of wheat — a symbol of life, resilience, and the beauty of the Ukrainian spirit.

This was reported by Radio UA Chicago.

Founded in 1980 by Roxana Dyka-Pylypchak, Yurii Tsepyinskyi, Ivan Pylypchak, and Marta Horodylovska-Kozytska, the ensemble has been an important part of Ukrainian cultural life in the diaspora for over four decades. Today, it operates with two groups — the main ensemble and a youth company (“Hromovytsia-2”), bringing together hundreds of dancers across generations.

Artistic director Roxana Dyka-Pylypchak emphasized that the ensemble’s mission is to preserve and pass on Ukrainian cultural heritage through dance.

“Dance has become a guardian of our ancestral memory, our Ukrainian identity,” she said.

The concert program “Seeds” was designed as a cohesive artistic narrative, where each dance carried its own meaning and symbolism. The performance combined folk choreography with elements of ballet and contemporary dance.

The audience experienced a range of thematic pieces, including: “Pryvit” — a dance about pride in Ukrainian culture and its deep roots “Motanky” — reflecting the tradition of folk dolls as symbols of protection and memory “Kupala Night” — an interpretation of ancient rituals and beliefs “Andriivskyi Vechir” — blending youth traditions, humor, and fortune-telling “Dovbush” — dedicated to the folk hero and the spirit of the Carpathians “Witches and Werewolves” — inspired by Ukrainian folklore and mysticism 

The program also featured “Rakivchanka,” showcasing Transcarpathian color, and the dynamic “Kozachok” rooted in Poltava traditions. The finale, of course, was the iconic “Hopak,” highlighting energy, acrobatics, and the Cossack spirit.

The centerpiece of the program was the contemporary dance “Seeds,” which used the image of зерно (a seed) to express resilience, renewal, and faith in the future. Through stage imagery, dancers conveyed the symbolism of Ukrainian land, generational continuity, and national strength.

The concert also included guest performances. Virtuoso violinist Vasyl Popadiuk delivered musical pieces that received enthusiastic applause. Singer Maryana Balash, together with guitarist Volodymyr Olenskyi, performed both original and traditional Ukrainian songs.

The event also featured a charity fundraiser. Part of the proceeds will support Ukrainian soldiers through Revived Soldiers Ukraine, as well as the Ukrainian Women's Association of America, which helps children at the “City of Goodness” shelter in Ukraine.

Organizers expressed gratitude to partners and sponsors, including the parish of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Church, Ukrainian Cultural Center, Selfreliance Credit Union (“Samopomich”), Heritage Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council.

Special recognition was given to choreographer Danusia Vasylyshyn, who continues her mother’s legacy while developing the ensemble’s artistic direction.

The audience greeted the performance with prolonged standing ovations. The concert reaffirmed that Ukrainian dance in the diaspora is not only an art form, but also a way to preserve cultural memory, strengthen community unity, and support Ukraine.

Organizers подчеркнули that Hromovytsia continues to “sow” through art the values that remain constant — heritage, love for the homeland, and faith in a peaceful future for Ukraine.