Vesnyanky: Spring Awakening Songs and Dances from Ukraine, a Workshop with Inna Kovtun

The Kitka Institute is thrilled to welcome Ukrainian folksinger, master of music and folklore, and ethnomusicologist Inna Kovtun back to the Bay Area for a participatory workshop exploring traditional Ukrainian ritual songs and circle dances to awaken spring.

For centuries, these songs and movements have marked the arrival of spring, helping to awaken the land, release the grip of winter, and welcome renewal, growth, and joy. Through authentic Vesnyanky and Haiivky, participants are invited to experience a living seasonal tradition where voice and movement come together to ritually connect humans with the cycles of the natural world.

In this immersive workshop, Inna Kovtun will guide participants through traditional Ukrainian spring songs and circular dances known as Vesnyanky. Singing and moving together, we will create a shared musical space rooted in community, rhythm, and seasonal celebration.

A special focus of the workshop will be traditional Ukrainian polyphony — a rich, vibrant multi-voiced singing style that is central to these songs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and learn this distinctive vocal sound, including regional stylistic features that give Ukrainian village singing its powerful, resonant, and unique character.

Participants will:

• Learn authentic Vesnyanky melodies and ritual movements

• Experience traditional Ukrainian polyphonic singing

• Develop a natural, resonant vocal sound characteristic of village traditions

• Discover the cultural context, symbolism, and seasonal rituals connected to spring songs. �

No prior singing experience is necessary, and reading Ukrainian or musical notation is not required.

This workshop is open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or experience level.

Advance registration strongly encouraged as space is limited.