With Colmena in his pocket, Zakhar Davydenko produced his podcast project ‘Алея’ (“Alley”), documenting traditional dances in the Alley of Artists in Kyiv

Zakhar Davydenko, a radio journalist and podcaster from Ukraine, talks with admiration about the historical charm of the Alley of Artists in the heart of Kyiv. Here, every week the air is filled with the rhythmic sounds of traditional dances and music. Hundreds of people come together, allowing Ukrainian tradition to be preserved and even thrive, despite Russia’s full-scale invasion.  

In the three-episode podcast project ‘Алея’ (“Alley”), Zakahar takes the listener on a journey into  these evenings that are filled with music and lively dancing. Each episode welcomes another guest, capturing the essence of these gatherings, their organizers and the history of the weekly event. 

Preserving tradition amidst turmoil 

The premiere episode features Klym Palii, a musician and passionate dance organizer who joined the Ukrainian armed forces last year. His story embodies the duality of preserving culture while navigating the harsh realities of war. The episode holds particular significance for the community, capturing a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to protect and celebrate Ukrainian traditions. 

“Working on it was something special for me because it became a documentary about the thoughts and visions of young people trying to save and spread traditional culture in the middle of the war,” Davydenko explained.  

Credits: Andrii Paslavskyi

The heartbeat of Ukrainian dance 

For podcast interviews, production and in capturing the sounds of resilience, Davydenko has been using Colmena – the digital newsroom and podcasting tool.  

“This software helped me to be flexible about the location of the recording, because these interviews were made outside,” said Davydenko.  

Using the Colmena recording feature on a mobile device, the interviews retain the authenticity and ambient charm of the dance evenings.  

The series is far from over. Two more episodes are in the making and will feature Pavlyna Zapolska, a dance instructor who teaches people in the Alley of Artists. The podcast will also feature Yevhenia Shulha, a violinist and leader of the student ensemble Roksolania. These conversations will delve further into the lives of those who dedicate themselves to fostering this cultural phenomenon.