This was a special sort of wedding in Shumka land because both of them are Shumka dancers. This happens from time to time and usually provides the ingredients for a party the likes of which happens only in movies.
Normally, when you enter the church, the usher asks if you are friends of the bride or groom. This particular wedding the ushers asked, “Friends of the bride, groom or Shumka”? (It’s not that we are diseased or something)
Anyway, Shumka’s gift, when one of its members gets married is a wedding Hopak. The gift of dance! What else can you give to someone who has shared so much with you? So many intangible moments on stages, buses, in the studio or around the world. So far I’ve been able to avoid receiving this gift, but those who have received it swear that it’s something special.
So when a Shumka dancer gets married, his or her friends come out and give “the gift of dance”. Oh yea, and a mini goat too!
Depending on if the person is currently dancing, how many years they danced, or if they danced 10 years ago or last year, will effect how many people turn up for “Wedding Hopak”. But when two Shumka’s, who have only recently stopped dancing, marry each other…. Look out baby – it’s party time! Seriously it’s like a Zabava with an open bar.
We had 70 people sign up to perform for Oles’ and Pam. We actually had to ask people to step out because there were just too many people to fit on the stage!
Anyway, it was great once we finally performed. I actually think someone needs to invent the job of Ukrainian-Canadian wedding planner because we sat in the parking lot for hours waiting to dance. When we did dance, the couple was brought to tears. No - not from the vodka shots, but seeing all their friends, who they know through their Ukrainian dance world, come and celebrate their union. A union that actually would not have been possible if it weren’t for Ukrainian dance.
Anyway, we have this acrobatic-throw-move-thing that we do. We usually throw a little guy but this time we threw one of Oles’ buddies who’s like 6’3”. I honestly thought, “poor Pam”, ‘cause Oles practically lost control (prematurely) right there on the spot. Fantastic!
The rest of the night was awesome - a gathering of epic proportions. The Kolomyika was the perfect balance of ridiculous and inspiring. Even after the band finished playing we kept dancing late into the night and into the parking lot! So congratulations Pam and Oles’. I hope we celebrated large!The best part is now they are free to go and produce little genetically modified Shumka babies! And there are 7 Shumka wedding already planned for next summer. Yikes! Can anyone say baby factory?
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