Text and Photos: Gypsygal Nina

The dance festival or Damhsa is a yearly dance festival event in Cork which aims to celebrate diverse cultures.

One of the dance troupes I admire is the Kupalo Ukrainian Dance Ensemble . The Canada-based group is touted as the cultural ambassador of the Alberta-based  St. Basil’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish.

The ensembles name came from the Rite of Kupalo - an agricultural festival celebrating the summer solstice in Ukraine. Kupalo dance group members have easily filled up  the stage and they did not disappont the audience with dance formation like the one shown here

The ensemble's name came from the Rite of Kupalo - an agricultural festival celebrating the summer solstice in Ukraine. Kupalo dance group members have easily filled up the stage and they did not disappont the audience with dance formation like the one shown here

The Kupalo group featured a summer solstice theme dance

The Kupalo group featured a summer solstice theme dance

Each dancer wore beautiful, handmade costumes

Each dancer wore beautiful, handmade costumes

The Kupalo group performs with dynamic style and energy!

The Kupalo group performs with dynamic style and energy!

Did I mention that they were also good looking?

Did I mention that they were also good looking?

Everyone are simply awed with their peformance

They're really awesome!