Borris Town Hall transformed into ballroom of romance
Residents in Borris have become very nimble on their feet, thanks to dance teacher Volodomyr Belei
AN ACCLAIMED dancer and teacher who had to flee the war in Ukraine has been giving free dance classes to the community of Borris, transforming the local hall into a ballroom of romance!
Volodomyr Belei, his talented wife Victoria and a cousin Elena all fled their native town of Rivne over two years ago, relocating in the village of Borris.
Volodomyr was a very successful teacher, choreographer and director of his own dance school in Rivne. His students, aged from five years to over 60, took part in competitions, dance shows, concerts and dance ensembles.
They toured across Europe and many went on to be professional dancers in the USA, Canada, Dubai, Poland and South Korea. Volodomyr was also a judge in the International DanceSport Association World Championships and last year was invited back by the association’s chairman to compete in the competition in Ukraine, representing Ireland.
He gathered some of his Ukrainian students together and swept the boards with first-place prizes.
The team won first place in four main categories – European Youth, Latin American Youth, European and Latin Youth and another youth category as well as second and third places.
His pupils in Borris were thrilled about his success and are now harbouring ambitions of one day taking part in a dance competition themselves.
“It was indeed an honour to be so successfully represented and we hope the day is not too distant when perhaps we may field a homegrown team of our own. Folk who found it hard at first to distinguish their right from left foot are now mastering the sinuous glides and sleek hand movements of the rhumba!” explained Peter Hennessy, who is now a keen dancer.
“Every Thursday, we are coached and from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, when we enter another world. Volodomyr has exceptional coaching ability, endless patience and a great sense of humour. Every month or so, we have an open night where people may come to dance, try out some new steps and enjoy high tea and great chat. Every Thursday night, the hall in Borris transforms into its own ballroom of romance. You never know until you take to the floor!”
The next open night is Thursday 13 February when there will be a Valentine’s Day theme so wear your heart on your sleeves, go along and have some fun!
