Vasile Avramenko

Born on March 22, 1895 — died May 6, 1981 (aged 86)

A Ukrainian actor, dancer, choreographer, balletmaster, director and film producer, credited with spreading Ukrainian folk dance across the world. For his unparalleled missionary ardency and his love of Ukrainian culture, he is considered by many to be the "Father of Ukrainian Dance". During his lifetime, Vasyl Avramenko created many Ukrainian dance studios, including one in New York City where he lived until his death. He staged performances across Canada and USA, including the Chicago World's Fair of 1933 and a performance at the White House. In the 1930s, Avramenko also produced Ukrainian movies.