WOW. The DWP Mark Morris dance event gave a whole new meaning to TGIF! The room was full of so much love, joy, and positive energy. Whether a fundraiser or a daily class, it is hard to describe a DWP event. Any attempt does not do it justice. Therefore, I have come to believe that a DWP event can only be felt. I am sure that anyone there today (in person or virtually) felt “it”—whatever that “it” is. Thank you Sarah and DWP team for hosting such a wonderful and touching get together. It is a privilege to be a part of something so special.

~ DWP Supporter

Taras and his dad, Nestor, have a very special connection. It’s the kind of bond that you feel without having to know them. Both highly accomplished Ukrainian dancers, Taras and Nestor bring their passion for movement to the in-person classes at Trinity St. Paul and DWP events including this year’s “The Look of… DWP” workshop. 

Nestor began dancing in high school, joining the renowned Ukrainian dance company “Kalyna”. He went on to become a volunteer choreographer, inspiring many dancers including Taras, who would follow in his father's "dance" steps. Together they participated in the very popular and long running international cultural festival "Caravan" which is where Nestor created a comical solo character dance to perform during pavilion shows. To this day, that same expressive, enthusiastic character will spontaneously pop up out of his chair at the Trinity class, much to the delight of fellow dancers, volunteers and the DWP team!

Taras grew up in the world of dance, certainly thanks to his dad’s influence, but his mother was a spectacular ballroom dancer in her own right. Taras remembers watching his parents dancing together at home, and it was her, his “first and best dance partner”, who taught him how to waltz, polka and tango. 

When asked what he and Nestor love about DWP, Taras says that the classes make him feel “extra alive”. He leaves feeling invigorated and rejuvenated, and reminded of the power of dance to create connection. “I value the bonding that I experience when I can connect with my father during the class, especially when I get the chance to do the "mirroring" exercise together, or during his spontaneous Ukrainian dance moments!” In his dad, Taras has witnessed a greater sense of mobility and alertness which carries over at home, helping to manage his PD symptoms.

Taras loves to see Nestor so engaged when he’s dancing with the DWP community. In addition to his prowess on the dance floor, according to Taras, it is in these moments that Nestor becomes his most natural, romantic and humorous self. “The community of participants, volunteers and teachers have become a caring and supportive family of friends for both of us”, Taras shares.

After class, lifted by the energy of dance, Nestor and Taras will reminisce about old times: fond memories of their touring days, special occasions centred around movement and music, and dancing as a family at home. 

Nestor and Taras, you are shining examples of how dance creates connection, community and, above all, LOVE. Thank you for sharing your story, your energy and your joy with us.

Thank you all for being so open and willing to include us in your programme.  It is such a wonderful outreach and this has changed the dynamics of my class.  It is a complete empowerment from both ends.  If only you could see how much these guys enjoy dancing daily with each other and especially on Fridays with your class (they all want to be in the spotlight!!).  Thank you for the opportunity for the students to hand out their work.  It really sends such a powerful message to them that they are impacting others.  Surprisingly enough, these little ones do not see themselves as meaning makers and can do great things in the world through simple acts of kindness and this really helped them see that they can make an impact.

~ Ms Wing-Yee
Grade 1 Teacher and visionary for the 2023 and 2024 Intergenerational Dance Project.