Mister Bila Tserkva 2005 Contest

February 22, 2005

On the evening of February 22, 2005 at the Rosava Culture Palace, the annual Mister Bila Tserkva contest was held. A second year student, named Vitaly, from the university where I do my volunteer work (The Open International University for Human Development - Bila Tserkva Affiliate) was the eventual winner. It was a hoot.

Albert Grigorian (left), one of my 4th year students, was one of the emcees for the contest.

Contestant No. 6 is Vitaly, the eventual winner. Each contestant had to compete in a number of contests, similar to the Miss America Pageant.

Additional entertainment was provided by various singers and dance groups. This one was a Soviet-style army dance troupe.

In this contest, the contestants had to strip down to their underwear, change into an army uniforn, including a gas mask, do some push-ups, and go into the audience and carry a girl of their choosing back up on stage.

During the "beauty" phase of the competition, each well-dressed male contestant had to walk out on the catwalk with one of the stunning female models from a local modeling agency. Here's Vitaly, preparing to blow a kiss to the audience of adoring fans.

This is all of the six contestants lined up with their female models.

The contestants had to answer questions from the judges. The Q&A was in Ukrainian, so I didn't understand any of it.

Here the audience is in a near frenzy as the final moment - the announcement of Mister Bila Tserkva 2005 - approaches. The contestants are lined up on the stage with the judges and the event sponsors.

Then it is down to only two contestants - Roman in white, and Vitaly in black. At this point the crowd was chanting wildly for their favorite contestant.

Contestant No. 6, Vitaly, is announced the winner and he is given some nice prizes. Oksana from the Culture Palace is preparing to give him a big fat prize.

Petro Vadimovich, Pro-rector of my university, steps onstage to present some gifts to the winner, who is one of our students.

Natasha, one of our teachers, comes onstage to give Vitaly a boquet of flowers.

Contestants, former contestants, and others singing the grand finale.

(From left) Albert Grigorian (one of my students who was one of the emcees). Next to him is Sergei Bondar (from my former host family, who was runner-up in 2002). Next to Sergei is Vitaly, the winner. Next to Vitaly is another student from our university who was emcee last year and one of the judges this year.

Petro Vadimovich with Vitaly (No. 6)

Albert proposing one of many, many toasts at the after-party, which I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend.

Albert snapped this photo of Oksana and me on the dance floor. I have found that in Ukraine, all efforts to refuse to dance are futile. So, I dance despite the fact that I suck at it.

Oksana, Oksana, me and an unidentified partygoer (far left)