To the editor:

To those of you who did not attend the “Traditions of Ukraine” event at the NW Language Academy, let me tell you what you missed: fabulous food cooked by a team of talented ladies, and extraordinary musical and dance performances.

The children’s choir was adorable; tiny girls dressed in regional costumes. The boys performing Cossack dances made your knees ache just watching them, and the Ukrainian American choir sang songs that made every immigrant yearn for the motherland.

Nadia Tarnawsky, a talented singer in the open-throat style, sang village songs, many of which she had collected herself.

She is setting up a house concert soon on South Whidbey and I am getting in line for a ticket.

Ashingdon Manor, the new location for NW Language Academy, is a great location for events like this, where performers, guests and hosts can mingle freely and enjoy each other’s company in comfortable surroundings. Standing in the kitchen, taking in the cooking aromas and hearing nothing but Ukrainian conversation, I felt like I was in Ukraine. That is the kind of cultural experience that brings to South Whidbey, and we are all so lucky to have it readily accessible.

I am looking forward to the next event, “Traditions of India,” on Saturday, April 9. See you there.

Christine Williams

Langley