Prince Charles steppes out in Cossack style

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The recent articles about Prince Charles’ last visit to Derby as a “bachelor boy” in February 1981 brought back fond memories for Joseph Kupranec, leader of the Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, who will never forget watching the Prince manfully tackling a Cossack dance routine – as he recounts here.

Fortified by a glass of vodka, Prince Charles tries his hand at cossack-style dancing with the Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

With reference to the article about Prince Charles’ last visit to Derby as a “bachelor boy” (February 18), we from the Ukrainian Association Community in Derby will never forget that day when he visited our cultural centre at 27 Charnwood Street as part of his tour of the ethnic groups in the city.

There were hundreds of excited people packed at the front entrance, eagerly waiting for the young Prince who had recently announced his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer. Everybody waved banners and flags on his arrival and congratulated him.

Once in the hall, we welcomed him in true Ukrainian tradition with salt and bread and a glass of vodka, presented him with a Ukrainian bouquet and asked him to sign our guest book, which today is still proudly displayed in our glass cabinet.

Again in true Ukrainian style, the locally-based Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performed the famous Ukrainian folk dance, The Hopak, and, in true style, the young “have-a-go Prince” took up the ensemble’s offer to join in their vigorous traditional dance – much to their surprise.

Prince Charles talks to members of the Hoverla Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Shaftesbury Crescent, Derby

Then came the exciting moment that hit all the national and local newspapers the following day, which will stay in our memories for the rest of our lives. He obliged and performed an energetic step or two of a Cossack dance routine with male members of the ensemble. I remember this distinctly as I am playing the accordion and my brother, Petro, is dancing next to Prince Charles on his left-hand side.

There was loud applause at the Ukrainian Centre for the wholehearted way in which the Prince had joined in the fun.

Afterwards, we thought he was so good that we invited him to join us at practice every Friday night. The ensemble still practices every Friday and performs regularly throughout Derbyshire, the UK and Europe.

Instead of us dancing, our children have followed in our footsteps in keeping Ukrainian traditions and culture alive.

Prince Charles also visited the Asian, Polish and West Indian communities on that memorable day in February, 1981. All were equally impressed by his willingness to join in and try anything.

Pages linking here

Pictorial memories of Charles' 1981 visit to Derby

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