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Transcript/ScriptUSAGM Share
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: TV – Ukrainian Jazz Dancers – Bakalets
HEADLINE: As Jazz Dancers In Ukraine Become Volunteers, Their DC Counterparts Organize Charity Parties To Support Ukraine
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: 04/15 /2022 at:
BYLINE: Lesia Bakalets
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Washington
SCRIPT EDITORS: ADK, Jepsen
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER: Marcus Harton
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, Other (see courtesies)
PLATFORMS: TV only
TRT: 3:18
VID APPROVED BY: MPage
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: Interviews are Zoom, all cleared for use))
((INTRO:))
[[As jazz dancers in Ukraine lay aside their costumes to become soldiers or volunteers, the dance community in the Washington area is trying its best to support their counterparts overseas by organizing charity dance parties to raise funds and help Ukraine. Lesia Bakalets has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.]]
((NARRATION))
((Zoom Courtesy)
This is Genia Tsvietkova, a swing dance teacher in Kyiv.
((Mandatory courtesy: Juls Sobrón + YouTube Logo))
Dozens of students, dance parties and beautiful video clips — that’s what her life used to be before Russia invaded Ukraine. She doesn’t dance any more, she says she can’t even listen to music. Since Russia’s invasion began, Genia has been volunteering to do what she can to help.
((Genia Tsvietkova, Dancer and Volunteer)) ((IN UKRAINIAN)) ((Zoom Courtesy))
“It was hard to make sense of what was going on – anything! – when someone just tells you at six in the morning – war has started. // At first, we would post online asking around what people needed. // Many people stayed behind – parents, friends, acquaintances // I realized I could buy groceries – eggs, milk, bread – and deliver to different people around the city.”
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Arkadija P. + YouTube Logo))
Kyiv native Genia Nagorniy also used to dance swing before Russia’s invasion. But on February 24th … ((Courtesy Genia Narorniy))
….he swapped his dance costume for soldier’s camouflage.
((Genia Nagorniy, Dancer & Soldier)) ((Zoom Courtesy))
“On the second day of the war I went to the territorial defense, but they told me they had no openings. I live on the left side of the river in Kyiv, so I decided to cross the river and ask over there. // ((06:26-)) I love my country, very much. And I don’t want it to turn into some sort of an appendix for Russia.”
((NARRATION))
American swing dancers may not know their Ukrainian counterparts personally, but they share the common language of dance, a bond that brings them, together, though they are half a world apart. That inspired the Americans to use dance to raise funds for Ukraine.
((Sue Caley, Dance Party Organizer))
“The swing dance community in Ukraine is so strong. And swing dance is a universal language all over the world. And so, our brothers and sisters in Ukraine need us. // ((00:17-)) We had a lot of people asking, so the tickets were hot items. Everybody was contacting me all of last night and today asking if they could come.”
((NARRATION))
The dress code is simple – blue and yellow — the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Men approached the requirements with all seriousness.
((Paul Malachowski, Dancer))
“I've had the yellow one for a while and I just added the blue shirt. My wife got me blue socks and a blue shirt. // I come almost every time there's a dance here. And this is a special fundraiser for Ukraine.”
((NARRATION))
In addition to rock ’n’ roll, traditional Ukrainian music was played at the party, and some traditional Ukrainian songs were sung.
((NARRATION))
Anyone could donate – both online and at the party.
((Russ Bowers, Dancer))
“These stickers will go to anybody who donates. If you donate $25 or more, you get a flag. And if you don't donate $50 or more, you get a vinyl sticker.” 3:40
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Juls Sobrón + YouTube Logo))
During the party, the dancers raised more than $5,000. They say all the funds will go directly to the Ukrainian army. And Kyiv natives Genia Tsvietkova and Genia Nagorniy are confident – once the invasion ends, they will start dancing again.
For Lesia Bakalets in Washington, Anna Rice, VOA News
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Washington DC
Embargo DateApril 15, 2022 16:36 EDT
BylineLesia Bakalets
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
