Behind the Scenes of 2021 Ukrainian Heritage Calendar - Anna Varchuk’s Story
Anna is featured on March`s page of the 2021 Ukrainian Heritage calendar. This is her story:
When I was offered to be a part of 2021 Ukrainian Heritage Calendar, I agreed without a hesitation. Because this was a wonderful opportunity to learn something new about Ukrainian culture and to see and experience the authentic Ukrainian costumes. The only other full set of traditional Ukrainian clothes I’ve ever worn in my life before was from when I participated in Ukrainian dance ensemble and those dance costumes had little in common with the authentic clothing.
I was very grateful I was invited to be a part of this project. I eagerly awaited the trip to Georgia for the photoshoot and all of my expectations were fully met.
Natalia Sturgill, the private collector who provided the clothes for the project, is passionate about traditional Ukrainian clothes and her passion is truly contagious. She’s very detail oriented; therefore, every regional clothing ensembles on the pages of the calendar was carefully thought out. Project organizers managed to create such an atmosphere on the set that I felt as if I were temporarily transported to central Ukraine. I felt like Oksana from "Evenings on a Farm Near the Dikanka", who was being dressed up for some important event in case a fine young man will ask for hand in marriage.
Thanks to all participants and organizers for the opportunity to be a part of this project and literally touch and experience Ukrainian history through authentic clothing.