Veselica and Vychodna Unite for a Program "Zostalo to v nás" — A Slovak Story of Immigration, Resilience, and Belonging

Veselica Slovak Cultural Organization of Chicago is thrilled to announce a historic collaboration with Vychodna Slovak Dancers of Toronto, bringing to the American stage the powerful artistic program "Zostalo to v nás" ("It Stayed Within Us"), created by choreographer Marek Gabriš.

This will be the first time our two communities — Veselica, together with our own Children's Ensemble Veselička, and Vychodna — join forces to share a single stage, telling one story: the story of Slovak immigration to North America.

A Program with a Powerful Legacy

"Zostalo to v nás" was originally created by Vychodna to mark its 40th anniversary in Toronto, Canada. Since its premiere, the program has traveled far beyond the Canadian stage — performed in Bratislava and Michalovce, and featured in portions at Krajanská nedeľa, the prestigious festival held in Detva, Slovakia, one of the most celebrated folklore gatherings in the world.

Now, for the first time, the program is being adapted specifically for a U.S. audience — and it will not be performed by Vychodna alone. In collaboration with Veselica, this joint production will bring together more than 80 performers — children, youth, and adults — authentic regional costumes, dancing the vibrant folk traditions of Slovakia's many regions.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars!

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 🕒 3:00 PM 📍 Goodwin Auditorium, Benedictine University, 5700 College Rd, Lisle, IL 60532

Through live music, dance, and narration, audiences will be carried across generations: from the moment of departure and the ache of longing, through resilience and hardship, to community, roots, and belonging. It is a story adapted for the North American experience — but one that echoes the journey of every family who has ever left home in search of something more. These are stories woven into the very fabric of America itself.

A Milestone Year for a Milestone Story

This performance arrives at a especially meaningful moment: 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. In this milestone year, "Zostalo to v nás" takes on even greater significance — honoring the contributions and legacy of Slovak immigrants as part of the broader American story of migration, freedom, and opportunity.

What This Collaboration Means to Us

For Veselica, this project is more than a performance — it is a chance to:

• Honor the Slovak immigrant experience as part of the wider American story of migration, opportunity, freedom, and belonging

• Celebrate America's 250th anniversary by highlighting the role immigrant communities have played in shaping American society and culture

• Strengthen the bond between Slovak diaspora organizations in Chicago and Toronto through shared artistic work

• Create a meaningful cultural program that connects heritage preservation with civic and historical reflection

• Engage Slovak-American families, descendants of immigrants, and the broader public in a shared celebration of identity and community

• Preserve and promote Slovak folklore, music, dance, and cultural heritage for generations to come

We are especially excited for our young adult Veselica and Veselička Children's Daance Ensemble members, who will have the rare and meaningful opportunity to learn — through movement, music, and story — about their own roots, their connection to Slovakia, and the emigration journey their ancestors once made. Sharing the stage with dancers from Toronto will deepen that understanding in a way that will enable new friendships, shared love and passion for Slovak folk dance and music as well as create many shared memories. We hope this is only a beginning of many collaborative projects and a tradition of sharing Slovak culture across Slovak diaspora communities in the North America.

To every member of Veselica, dancers, musicians, families, and volunteers, thank you for the passion and dedication you bring to preserving our culture. This project belongs to all of us, and we cannot wait to build it together with our friends from Vychodna Slovak Dancers.

With Gratitude

This project is made possible in part through the generous support of the Úrad pre Slovákov žijúcich v zahraničí (ÚSŽZ) — the Office for Slovaks Living Abroad.

We are also deeply grateful to Benedictine University, which has generously agreed to provide the performance space for this landmark event. Their partnership reflects the kind of community support that allows cultural heritage to thrive and reach new audiences.

Get Involved: Sponsors and Volunteers Needed

A production of this scale, bringing together more than 80 performers from Chicago and Toronto, authentic traditional costumes, live music, and a full theatrical narrative, cannot happen without community support. We invite individuals, families, and businesses to consider becoming a sponsor of this event, helping cover the costs of staging, costuming, and production so that this story can be told the way it deserves.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with everything from event logistics to hospitality for our visiting Toronto dancers. Whether you can give your time, your resources, or simply spread the word, your support will help ensure this celebration of Slovak heritage and the American immigrant story reaches as many people as possible. If you're interested in sponsoring or volunteering, please reach out to us. We would love to have you be part of this story.

This is more than a show. It's a tribute to every Slovak family who crossed an ocean, built a new home, and made sure that no matter how far they traveled, zostalo to v nás; it stayed within us.

Stay tuned. Follow Veselica. Be part of the story.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars!

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 🕒 3:00 PM 📍 Goodwin Auditorium, Benedictine University, 5700 College Rd, Lisle, IL 60532

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