It would be an understatement to say that the members of the Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company have been studying their craft for a long time because — for the most part — they have been doing it their whole lives.

Myroslav Mykalvish Vantukh, general director and choreographer of the dance troupe, says the Ukrainian folk dances the group performs are ones that the dancers have grown up doing.

“The dancing is something that they do their whole lives,” Mykalvish Vantukh says. “It is a part of their life.”

Myroslav Vantukh, vice-general director and son of Mykalvish Vantukh, says the 85 members of Virsky Company range in age from 18 years old to mid-30s. They have also been with the company for varying lengths of time.

“Some of the dancers have been with us for only five years, some have been here for 18,” Vantukh says.

Vantukh says the Virsky Company performs “different dances that present cultures from different regions” of Ukraine.

While it may not be important to fully understand Ukrainian culture in order to enjoy the performance, Mykalvish Vantukh says those who attend the show will get a better appreciation of it.

Janice Baker, assistant professor of health and human performance, says anyone who attends the show, no matter their dance knowledge, will find it an excellent event.

“The sharing of that kind of international culture is an eye- opening experience for many people,” Baker says.

“It’s fantastic.”

Valerie Williams, director of Co’Motion Dance Theater, is active in the Ames folk dance community. She says she expects the Virsky Company’s performance to not only entertain, but also to be enlightening.

“Dancing is always a good time, but it is also a good indicator of international character,” Williams says.

Along with the performance, the dance troupe will also hold a master class at 4 p.m. Saturday in City Hall Auditorium, 515 Clark Ave. The class, which is free and open to the public, will be an opportunity for the community to learn various Ukrainian folk dances.

Williams says the dance community is excited to share the troupe’s culture with the community.

“[We are] very pleased to have these dancers not only come in and perform but also share their knowledge and culture with the Ames community,” she says.

Williams says it is not necessary for those who want to attend the master class to have any experience with dance.

“Folk dancing is called folk dancing because it is literally for the folks,” Williams says.