The Villages - August 2022 - 5

Below: Nancy at 8 years old dancing in her traditional dress.
She's started experimenting with her dye, as well.
" (It's) something I haven't done with crayons and
lidded jars, " Nancy said. " You boil hot water, melt the
crayons and put your eggs in the dye. "
Nancy also learned an important custom that is
central to many cultures -- dancing. There are several
versions of Ukrainian dances that find their origins
in various parts of the country, but they all have a
common theme of being fast-paced and energetic.
Nancy gently picked up a black and white photo on the
table. It was her dancing in traditional Ukrainian garb
when she was 8 years old. She had the exact same dress
in perfect condition displayed next to a handcrafted
necktie designed in Ukrainian cultural patterns; it was
worn by her grandfather.
" I don't even know what this is worth, " Nancy
said. " It's priceless. "
She continues to dance at 81 years young
and takes dance lessons from fellow Villager and
former prima ballerina, Diane Vargas.
" When I walk, I can only go less than half a
mile with the dogs, " Nancy said. " When I take advanced
dance however, I can run across the room. "
Nancy's family also taught her how to make
traditional Ukrainian dishes such as pierogi and
kobashi. She has been successful in making sure the
tradition continues; her daughter and granddaughter
not only cook Ukrainian food, but have also added
baking to their repertoire.
MAGAZINE
5
" She and her mother make nut rolls and paska, "
Nancy said. She reflected on family memories. " Everyone
in the family did something; it was a good life. "
Above: A necktie that belonged to Nancy's
grandfather and a pysanka decorated by her sister.
Below: A collection of some of Nancy's pysanky
including the first she made - all green with gold
floral patterns.
The Villages - August 2022

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