Michael makes his mark

By Nicole Williams
A UKRAIANIAN dancer from Dandenong is making his musical theatre debut this month.
Michael Popowycz, 19, will play the role of Serge in CLOC’s production of Fiddler on the Roof at the National Theatre in St. Kilda.
The theatre company wanted four genuine Ukrainian Cossack dancers to be part of the 48-strong cast and his fellow dancers at the Verchovyna dance group encouraged him to audition.
“This is my first musical involving singing, dancing and acting,” Michael said.
“I cannot wait to dance onstage in traditional Russian costumes for a different audience from what I am used to.”
Michael has been performing Cossack dancing since he was four years old with the Verchovyna dance group and credits his interest in the style to his Ukrainian heritage.
“My grandparents are Ukrainian,” Michael said.
“I started dancing when I was about four so I have been doing it a long time.”
While rehearsing for the production, Michael is also working as an apprentice electrician so his life a little ‘hectic and stressful’.
But most of all, he can’t wait to get on stage.
“I’m very excited, I can’t wait,” Michael said.
“It’s exciting, nerve-racking, everything!”
Fiddler on the Roof runs from Friday May 20 to Saturday June 4 at the National Theatre, St. Kilda. Tickets are available online at www.cloc.org.au or call 1300 362 547.