PARSIPPANY, N.J. – On March 1st, 2014, the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA, also known as CYM) hosted its 50th annual Debutante Ball. Twenty-two young women from New York, New Jersey, and Maryland made their debut before a full ballroom of friends, family, and invited guests.
What we now know as the Debutante Ball first began as “Karnavalovij Bali” (Carneval Balls) in 1962. These early events, held in the auditorium of St. George Academy in New York, were inspired by traditional balls in European courts and, later, the American South, where young ladies were presented in front of guests as a celebration of their “coming of age.” The balls became popular in the Ukrainian-American community of New York and the surrounding areas. In 1965, the Krayjova Uprava (National Executive) of the UAYA began to organize it under their official auspices.
The ball has flourished since the 1960s, growing in size (to a record 43 debutantes in 1969) and moving to larger venues in New York and New Jersey. The group of girls who made their debut this year joined an impressive lineage–over 770 other young ladies have previously been introduced at this event. Through it all, the debutante ball—this one, and the others that organized and supported by UAYA oseredky throughout the United States— has been upheld as an vital tradition in the organization and a once in a lifetime experience for the debutantes, escorts, and their families.
The formal presentation of the debutantes was, as always, the cornerstone of the evening. Larysa Blahy-Tatarenko, chairwoman of the Debutante Committee, officially welcomed the guests to event. She also introduced one of the highlights of the evening: a video montage of formal and candid moments from the entire history of the ball, produced by Nataliya Vorobets. The video feature fifty years of photos, and guests pointed and exclaimed over the progression of style through the years, from debutantes with 60s-style beehive hairdos and simple shifts, through shoulder-padded dresses and perms in the 80’s, to rhinestone tiaras and big ball gowns in recent years. The video was a reminder that, though trends may change, the importance of gathering together and celebrating our strong, multifaceted Ukrainian heritage, remains the same.
In recognition of the political events in Ukraine, the program this year began with a ceremonial remembrance. Andriy Bihun, president of the UAYA, took the podium and spoke about the importance of unity and solidarity in a solemn recognition of our brothers and sisters fighting for freedom and self-determination. His Excellency, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, then led the ballroom in a prayer for the Ukrainian nation. A debutante lit an eternal flame in memory of the heroes of the Maidan as well.
The presentation of debutantes this year was arranged by Yuriy Symchyk and Olia Figol, who served as Master and Mistress of Ceremony. As the guests looked on, Mr. Symchyk and Mrs. Figol, both active members of the UAYA, introduced the debutantes one by one. Each girl, in a long white gown and elbow-length gloves, walked to the back of the dance floor, greeting her parents and receiving her bouquet. Then, met by an escort in white tie, the debutante turned and walked forward as the emcees read out her academic accomplishments, activities, and interests, highlighting in particular her involvement in the UAYA and the Ukrainian-American community. Each debutante then concluded with a deep curtsy before the cheering crowd.
This year’s debutantes were: Bogdana Bartkiv (Jersey City, NJ), escorted by Markian Blazejowskyj; Oksana Bihun (Pine Bush, NY), escorted by Stephan Kobyleckyj; Tania Alexa Bilanych (Whippany, NJ), escorted by Paul Tymkiw; Teresa Duda (Pearl River, NY), escorted by Matthew Tomaszewsky; Olesya Hreb (Jersey City, NJ), escorted by Bogdan Nikolin; Christina Hudyma (Millersville, MD), escorted by Alexander Zelez; Ivanna Anastasia Klics (Wallington, NJ), escorted by Olesh Bihuniak; Anastasiya Julia Kowal (Montclair, NJ), escorted by Peter Nysch; Oksana Nadiana Klymko (Yonkers, NY), escorted by Michael Betley; Kalyna Halia Melnyk (Long Island City, NY), escorted by Paul Senica; Maria Plisak (Woodside, NY), escorted by Michael Popovech; Mariana Pylypiw (Randolph, NJ), escorted by Stefan Palylyk; Kalyna Alexis Reda (Morris Plains, NJ), escorted by Ryan Zawojski; Roksolana Sikyrynska (Yonkers, NY), escorted by Taras Halva; Justyna Skalski (Yonkers, NY), escorted by Eduard Fay; Maria Soroka (Livingston, NJ), escorted by Andrew Smith; Christina Strusa (Jersey City, NJ), escorted by Maksym Cohen; Alina Sydorenko (Bronx, NY), escorted by Nicholas Wasiczko; Xenia Vitovych (Rego Park, NY), escorted by Alexander Humen; Yuliya Voznyuk (South River, NJ), escorted by Petro Chudolij; Stephanie Wasiczko (Yonkers, NY), escorted by Mykola Duda; Adrianna Watson (Binghamton, NY), escorted by Stefan Czumak.
After the conclusion of the individual entrances, Maria Soroka read the “pryrechennia,” or oath, that is read every year by a selected debutante. Mr. Bihun then extended a greeting to the debutantes directly, congratulating them on this milestone and encouraging their continued participation in the UAYA.
The last portion of the formal program was the waltz, choreographed by Hryhoriy Momot and performed by the debutantes and escorts with spins and lifts. After that performance, the debutantes’ fathers or relatives took their young ladies to dance, marking the end of the presentation itself. The guests then sat down for dinner, to music provided by Slawko Halatyn at the piano.
What followed was a great evening for the debutantes as well as for the many guests who came to celebrate the anniversary year. The 50th Debutante Ball had several elements celebrating the golden jubilee. An additional ballroom was dedicated to photos of every debutante class. Guests milled around the room, picking themselves out in photos and, posing for new ones with friends they may have not seen in many years. Couples, including many debutante-escort pairs from years past, took snaps in a photo cutout made from one of the earliest balls. At one point, every woman who had made her debut was called for a 50th Anniversary photo. Over 500 women crowded on to the dance floor, joyously chanting “Deb-u-tante!”
In the ballroom, “Hrim” from New York and “Zvook” from TKMONTREAL, kept the crowd dancing with nonstop music. The “kolomiyka,” as in years past, was one of the bright points of the night, with the distinctive highlight of many of the debutantes twirling across the floor in one long line.
The event would not be possible without the generous support of the sponsor and supporters, including the SUMA Federal Credit Union in Yonkers, Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union, Yonkers Dim-SUMA, and Self Reliance (NY) Federal Credit Union. We would also like to acknowledge the meticulous planning and support of the various volunteers, UAYA executive board, and all the debutantes, escorts, and parents who helped orchestrate this event.
The UAYA Debutante Ball Committee for 2014 was composed of Ms. Blahy-Tatarenko (chair), Olia Figol, Daria Horbachevsky, Natalka Horbachevsky, Myron Pryjmak, and Olya Zahnijnyj. They were assisted by the 50th Anniversary Committee of Bohdan Harhaj (chair), Evhenia Kuzmowycz-Blahy, and Christina Willis.
The UAYA invites you to save the date for next year’s ball, which will take place on February 14, 2015.
-Natalka Horbachevsky
