Vsi: The Podcast

Kaitlin released an updated edition of her book Planted: Stories From Manitoba's Natural World, with proceeds supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine. In this episode, Hannah talks with Kaitlin about the inspiration behind the book, her connection to nature, and how Kaitlin's Ukrainian heritage has shaped her writing and life.What Else You'll Hear- An overview of what you'll read in Planted- What's been updated since Kaitlin released the first edition five years ago- Hannah's takeaways from the book- Kaitlin's favourite nature memory from Ukraine- What organizations Planted proceeds are supportingResources- Purchase Planted via e-transfer or by credit card- Organizations Planted is supporting (with more to come!): Ukrainian Patriot, Cobblestone Freeway Foundation, Lifeline Ukraine, Come Back Alive- Follow Vsi on Instagram and FacebookMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme song

After a break in performances because of the pandemic, Ukrainian dance groups are back on stage. One of those groups is Canada's Ukrainian Shumka Dancers from Edmonton. The company is touring Canada and made a stop in Winnipeg, where we had a chance to attend a dance workshop, see the elaborate sets and costumes up close backstage, and talk with Shumka dancer Caitlin Kaminsky and Shumka Senior Creative Director Les Sereda. What Else You'll Hear- What it's like dancing with Shumka- The importance of celebrating Ukrainian culture during times of war- What to expect in the show: Mosquito's Wedding (All You Need is Love), Promised Land, My Yeh (We Are), Echoes of Hopak- What goes into putting on such an impressive production- The things that stood out most to us about the show- Some tips to stay motivated as a Ukrainian dancer or instructor - When Shumka will be coming to a city near youResources- Head to Shumka's website to find out when the company will perform near you- Follow Shumka on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter- Follow Vsi on Instagram and FacebookMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme song

russia's war against Ukraine is ongoing. The war has brought a rollercoaster of emotions for many. We've been frustrated, annoyed, angry, heartbroken, sad. And in other moments we've felt hopeful, immense pride and patriotism, and a strong love for Ukraine.Among many standing up for Ukraine, plenty of creatives have been sharing their heart, sharing news, and sharing their support for Ukraine. One of these artists is Maarit Tymchyshyn, a Ukrainian-Canadian artist working in Winnipeg. She's spent time living, studying, and working in Ukraine and a lot of her work as an artist is influenced by her Ukrainian heritage.Shortly after russia's full-scale war in Ukraine started, Maarit posted a personal essay called “Too Foreign For Home” on her website. It's a really powerful piece, and so much of it resonated with us, so we wanted to share it with our audience. In this episode, Maarit shares her essay.What Else You'll Hear- Maarit's new project Ukrainadian, a platform for Ukraine to be heard through stories, arts, food, and music- An overview of Ukraine's history- Words from Maarit that may capture some of the emotions and feelings that have come up for you during russia's full invasion of UkraineResources- “Too Foreign For Home,” by Maarit Tymchyshyn- Ukrainadian's website- Maarit's InstagramMusic- Thank you to Nina Semchyshyn for humming and singing “Oy u luzi chervona kalyna,” written by Stepan Charnetsky

This is a heavy time for Ukraine. russia launched an unprovoked, full-scale war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.It's heartbreaking to see this destruction. Like a lot of people, we have been experiencing so many emotions and feelings, including feeling helpless. In this episode, find out ways you can support Ukraine no matter where you are.We talk with Vince Rees of Cobblestone Freeway and Zoya Kostetsky of Prairie Clay to hear about their fundraising efforts. We also share some ways you can support Ukraine even if you aren't able to donate money right now.What Else You'll Hear- How the Cobblestone Freeway Foundation is providing aid to Ukrainians - How Zoya Kostetsky raised tens of thousands of dollars for Ukraine- Stories of people in UkraineResources- Cobblestone Freeway Foundation: website, Facebook, Instagram- Cobblestone Freeway Tours: website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube- Ukrainian Dance World: website, Facebook, Instagram- Prairie Clay: Instagram, Facebook, Etsy- Timothy Snyder: Substack, TwitterMusic- Thank you to Nina Semchyshyn for humming and singing “Oy u luzi chervona kalyna,” written by Stepan Charnetsky

Thanks to WikiSpiv and its founder Danylo (Daniel) Centore, Ukrainian folk songs will live on as long as the internet exists. WikiSpiv is a collaborative living songbook website that documents the history of Ukrainian folk songs. Anyone can add their knowledge to the site, though Danylo has done the bulk of the work, including extensive research to find the origin of songs, What Else You'll Hear- How WikiSpiv tracks the evolution of language- Fun Ukrainglish phrases from common zabava songs - Words of wisdom for others working on side projects- How you can help document Ukrainian folk songsResources- WikiSpiv website and Facebook page- Danylo's favourite Ukrainian song: lyrics and music - Help Danylo figure out who wrote the song “Vohov.” Here are the lyrics!- Performances by Danylo: fundraiser for Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Seattle and Christmas fundraiser for Help us Help- Danylo's Spotify playlists: Hey, Zabava and Best of Barabolya- ЛГБТ+ Українська Діаспора, a safe space created on Slack.com for LGBTQPIA+ Ukrainians and Allies in North America to connect with each other. This is another project that Danylo helps out with.Music- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme song

Alina Kuzma is a fourth-generation bandurist, a.k.a. someone who plays the bandura, an instrument sometimes said to embody the “voice and soul of Ukraine.” Alina is a co-founder of the Women's Bandurist Ensemble of North America and a member of Korinya Folk Band. The bandura has shaped her life in many ways — in all ways, really. Alina says she wouldn't exist if not for this instrument. In this episode, Vsi listeners are treated to a performance by Alina!What Else You'll HearHow Alina merges traditional music with modern timesHow you can start learning the bandura yourselfThe phenomenon of the bandura camp experienceHow the bandura has become a passport for AlinaThe different types of the bandura “A little bit of angry feminism”Resources- Women's Bandurist Ensemble of North America: YouTube, Facebook, Website, Contact Page- Korinya Folk Band: Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, Website- Documentary about Ukrainian musiciansMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme song

We're best friends, and we want you to be our best friend, too. We thought it's about time you really get to know us — why we love celebrating Ukrainian dance and culture, what inspires us in life, and the question you've all been wondering: if we owned a stall at a market in Ukraine, which stall would it be? What Else You'll Hear- What a reverse interview is — now this is something you do not learn in journalism school - How living in Ukraine changed us- Analogies. Lots of analogies.- Yet another plea for you to write us a review on your favourite podcast platform — when you do, tell us your mailing address, and we'll send you a note in appreciation!Resources- Come say hi on Instagram: @hanpicklyk and @kaitlinvitt- And follow Vsi on Instagram (@vsi.ukr) and Facebook (@vsi.ukr)Music- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme song

Lana Nicole Niland, a Canadian living in Ukraine and a former Virsky dancer, is a business owner, choreographer, magazine editor, and a whole lot of other things. Her love for Ukrainian dance shaped her life in ways she couldn't ever imagine. Prepare to be inspired to nurture and follow your dreams! What Else You'll Hear- How she went from dancing in Saskatoon to dancing in Kyiv- The difference between folk dance in Ukraine and Canada- What inspired Lana to launch her business Postmark UkraineResources- Postmark Ukraine website, Instagram, and Facebook- What's On Kyiv website, Instagram, and Facebook- Rodovid Academy of Ukrainian Dance website, Instagram, and Facebook- Virsky Ensemble - Pavlychenko Folklorique EnsembleMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme songPrefer the written word? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/lananicoleniland.

It's time to sum up the rest of our year in Ukraine! The final two cities we trained in were Lutsk and Poltava. In this episode, we relate our time with the Volyn and Poltava state ensembles to cooking borsch, the classic Ukrainian dish. What Else You'll Hear- How rehearsals were set up in each city- What life was like outside of the studio- The only inspirational quote you'll ever need to know in lifeResources- Volyn ensemble on FacebookMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi's theme songPrefer the written word? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/lutskpoltava.

Meditation is for everyone, dancers included. It’s a way to tend to your nervous system and self-regulate and just be. On this episode, Sam Squire shares the benefits of meditation and leads listeners through a 12-minute mindfulness meditation.What Else You’ll Hear- Why meditation has been one of the few consistent things in our lives lately- Tips on how to set yourself up for meditation- How you can download this mindfulness meditation so you can practice whenever you pleaseResources- Sam Squire’s website- Sam Squire’s InstagramMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer the written word? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/meditation.

Symbolism in Ukrainian culture is everywhere, featured on the clothes we wear, the decorations in our homes, and even the tattoos on our bodies — for some of us, at least! On this episode, you’ll hear from a couple extra special guests — Kaitlyn and Natalya — who share with us not only a mutual love for Ukrainian dance and culture but also matching tattoos.What Else You’ll Hear- The meanings behind shapes and colours in Ukrainian designs- A breakdown of our matching tattoo design and how there is meaning behind every line- Banter between four BFFs who love Ukrainian dance and culture as much as you doResources- Pysanky.info- Euromaidan Press- Internet Encyclopedia of UkraineMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer the written word? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/tattoo.

In Episode 2, we talked about our time dancing with the Virsky Studio dancers in Kyiv. In this episode, we hit the road and go to Lviv and Chernivtsi. We spent two months in each city, training with various groups, including Yunist and the Bukovyna State Ensemble.What Else You’ll Hear- Resources about anti-racism work in the Ukrainian community- A breakdown of how dance classes are run in each ensemble-What dance programs at universities/colleges are like- The somewhat surprising go-to dance outfit for instructors in UkraineResources- Divchata on Instagram and Facebook- Ukrainians in Solidarity on Instagram- Anti-racisim resources compiled by Divchata- Videos of the Bukovyna State Ensemble on YouTubeMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer the written word? Want to see some pics from the studio? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/lvivchernivtsi.

Many Ukrainian dancers start when they’re young, and though at the time they don’t really know why they’re dancing in some church basement or random school gym every week, they keep showing up — thanks to their parents. And eventually, the dancers make the decision themselves to stay in it, sometimes for decades, turning this extra-curricular hobby into a lifelong passion. So, what keeps us going back week after week? In this episode, you’ll hear why we Ukrainian dance — and why we think you should, too.What Else You’ll Hear- How uncertain times like the current COVID-19 pandemic can bring dancers closer- How Ukrainian dance has completely shaped our lives (for the better)- Analogies about life (and burgers)Resources- Vsi on Facebook and Instagram- Send us an email hereMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer a quick read? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/whyidance.

In this interview, hear from Natalya, a Virsky Company dancer, about what life is like in the studio, how she balances life with work, and what pushes her to keep dancing even on those days when she feels tired and unmotivated.What Else You’ll Hear- What Virsky is up to now- Words of advice for Ukrainian dancers of any level in any country- Tips to let you keep your manicured nails even if you have a big performance coming upResources- Virsky’s website and Facebook page- Virsky Studio’s website and Facebook page- Ensemble Rustavi Facebook page and YouTube channelMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer the written word? Want to see some pics from the studio and see some videos of Natalya’s favourite dances? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/natalya.

So what’s it like training with one of Ukraine’s top folk ensembles? In this episode, we give an overview of our experience training with the Virsky Studio dancers. These dancers are in a two-year program that prepares them to audition for the Virsky company.What Else You’ll Hear- A breakdown of the classes Virsky Studio dancers must take- How we Canadians kept up with these soon-to-be professional dancersResources- Virsky’s website (and the ensemble’s old website) and Facebook page- Virsky Studio’s website and Facebook page- Veryovka Facebook page- Cobblestone Freeway ToursMusic- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer the written word? Want to see some pics from the studio and see some videos of what we’re talking about? Check out our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/virsky.

Wearing a heeled shoe in Ukrainian dance has always sort of been a right of passage — it’s a step up from slippers in your younger years, and the gateway to what comes next: the red boot.In this episode, we share how our character shoes — and how our own characters — evolved during the year we spent dancing in Ukraine, training with the country’s top folk ensembles.What else you’ll hear:- Where to buy the best Ukrainian dance shoes- What it’s like dancing with Ukraine’s top ensembles- How dance classes are structured in UkraineResources:- Postmark Ukraine- Our Year in Ukraine by Cobblestone Freeway ToursMusic:A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme songPrefer the written word? Want to see some pics of our beloved shoes? Read our blog post version of this episode at vsi-ukr.com/blog/charactershoes.

Vsi episodes come out once (maybe twice) a month, and the first one will be released in February. Head to our website vsi-ukr.com to subscribe to our newsletter, and we’ll let you know when the first one drops!Thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme song.