PHOTO ESSAY

President Thomas S. Monson, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder Russell M. Nelson, and Elder William R. Walker await the beginning of youth celebration with the choir standing behind them.

President Monson, President Uchtdorf and Elder Nelson look upon the people of Ukraine whom they love.

The bandura is a Ukrainian folk instrument that has mechanical key switching and is used as an accompaniment in concerts and orchestras throughout Ukraine.

President Monson told the performers to not worry about making a mistake because they will be surrounded by many people and “we’ll never notice.”

A Ukrainian family narrating the history of the country was the centerpiece of the celebration.

The parents and children wore traditional Ukrainian folk costume called “olesya”

Colorful hoops mark this traditional dance.

Members from the temple district had only one full rehearsal before they performed for the prophet.

Hoops on the stage matched the beautiful décor of the entire set.

Bright flowers climb the hoops for a splash of color.

Dancers demonstrate the ties that bind one another in friendship.

As they danced their ribbons became entwined.

The dances portrayed the history of their nation and culture.

The primary children in the Kyiv temple district had their chance to perform a scene from history.

Young 10-year old boy stood bravely before the crowd and sang a solo.

Ukrainian mother told the story of their history to her children which became the pivotal narration that wove the dances together.

Each one of the hundreds who performed felt a special unity as they celebrated the coming of the temple.

Stately in their magnificent costumes, most of these dancers had never had the opportunity to perform before.

These dancers couldn’t help but smile as they enjoyed the performance.

The missionaries were invited to the stage so that the audience could convey their gratitude. Most of the members of this audience are converts who are a result of the labors of missionaries like these young men and women.

The missionaries could not contain their joy, and they received a standing ovation from the audience, including President Monson.

Senior missionaries look up at the Brethren with love and appreciation.

Dancers join from 11 countries in this temple district to celebrate.

Though the entire evening was in Ukrainian, there was no language barrier here.

The costumes made by willing seamstresses were elegant.

The Doctrine and Covenants records that the Lord told the Saints, “If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving (D&C 136: 28)

Talents they didn’t imagine they had were on display the night of the cultural celebration.

Each succeeding country with their intricate costumes dazzled the audience.

Young performers threw themselves into their parts.

Ballerinas performed to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

Young men were taught how to do the traditional Russian dance called the kalinka.

These two singers from Moscow also performed the next day in the choir for the temple dedication.

The majority of Ukrainian folk dances are circular and performed to lively music.

The Ukrainian folk costumes called the Olesya include the beautiful rubashka shirts.

The Young Men dance with vigor and energetic footwork.

Arms flying, feet stomping, the energy of the dancers was a reflection of their lively culture.

For the final number of the program, the performers dressed in white and danced to the celestial hymn “If You Could Hie to Kolob.”

“The works of God continue, and world and lives abound; Improvement and progression, have one eternal round.”

“There is no end to virtue, There is no end to might, There is no end to wisdom, There is no end to light.”

Emotions were high as the performance ended and they looked upon their beloved prophet.