Sonya Arko Shidenko, the school’s choreographer, wanted the young dancers to perform for audiences outside of the Ukrainian community, and knew of several Christmas venues that welcomed folk dance performances. Although Navy Pier usually wants large groups to perform several pieces, when working to secure the performance opportunity, Shidenko told them that CYM also had an adult choir who could share the time slot with the dance group. On the day of the performance, the choir performed first, singing several koliadky and shchedrivky, in both English and Ukrainian. Then Metelyky took the stage and performed “Village Dance,” a Ukrainian folk dance that they learned during their first year at the dance school. Although they were quite nervous to perform at an unfamiliar venue, they were very excited, and performed well. Afterwards, they and their families enjoyed the rest of the day at the festival.