CANORA - In one of the most-looked-forward-to annual events of the year, Canora Veselka Ukrainian Dance School hosted its 49th annual concert at the Canora Composite School Auditorium on April 6. As MC Abby Gulka pointed out, this year’s event celebrates 50 years since the School was started.
“Canora Veselka Dance School was established in December of 1974 as a non-profit organization focused on restoring, preserving, and furthering the beautiful art and culture of Ukrainian dance. On May 11, 1975, the first concert was held. Concerts have continued every year, with the exception of 2020, when no concert was held due to COVID-19. Today we are proud to celebrate 50 years of dancing with our 49th concert performance. It is with gratitude that we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the many parent volunteers and dancers over the years as well as the generous community support that has made our club a success.”
The concert opened with all dancers gathered on-stage for the singing of O Canada and Shche Ne Vmerla Ukraina (Ukraine National Anthem).
Always ready to educate the audience throughout the program, Gulka pointed out that Veselka is a Ukrainian term meaning “rainbow and light.”
Ranging in age from four to 18, a total of 44 dancers were involved in Veselka this year, according to Cindy Wolkowski, president. “On average, we have ranged from 40-45 dancers in the last couple of years.
“The annual concert is so special because it gives our dancers the time to show off all their hard work that they learned throughout the year. Our dancers love performing for our community, their family and friends.”
The audience was fully engaged in the performances, often responding with spontaneous applause and shouts of approval during especially challenging moves.
During the program, Gulka shared some of her experiences of being a part of Veselka for 14 years.
“It’s so nice to see a large group of dancers this year, and with so many boys who look like they’re actually enjoying themselves,” she said. “I remember one year I was in the group, we had a total of three boys and two of them were being held hostage by their sisters.”
Veselka dance instructors are Serhiy Zabutnyy and Liana Zabutnyy.
All dancers were involved in the Pryvit, or Welcome Dance. Senior Dancer Makayla Heshka presented the traditional Bread, Salt and Wheat.
During the program, Heshka and Danielle Dutchak each performed solo Bukovynian dances.
Duet performances were given by Rhianna Stefanyshyn and Maddy Dutchak (Volyn), and then Dutchak also danced a Volyn duet with Simon Craig.
A Poltava was performed by the Novice group, the youngest dancers: Samantha Macpherson, Zayda Slowski, Ashey Hofley, Shiandro Danyluk, Emily Prokopetz and Ruth Schomburg.
Veselka included two groups of Intermediate and two groups of Junior dancers this year. Junior 1 danced the Poltava, while Junior 2 performed the Transcarpathian, the Hutzul and the Poltava.
The Junior 1 group is made up of: Jennifer Monich, Daiana Blauva, Emily Kondratoff, Lincoln Macpherson and Sam Malowany.
Junior 2 group members are: Keira Owchar, Paisley Mickelson and Atlin Godhe.
The Intermediate 1 group performed a Polissia, a Hutzul and a Poltava. The Intermediate 2 group danced a Volyn, a Bukovynian, a Hutzul and a Poltava.
Intermediate 1 group members are: Layla Keyowski, Karlee Boychuk, Sophie Monich, Olivia Owchar, Kaydence Goulet and Jacob Prychak.
The Intermediate 2 group is made up of: Reid Kitchen, Tessa Prychak, Mya Dutchak, Greta Craig, Madison Dutchak, Chloe Doogan and Jevon Keyowski.
The Family Dance was performed by sisters Danielle, Hannah and Madison Dutchak.
A Polissia performance was given by the trio of Ethan Chabun, Hannah Dutchak and Isabelle Kondratoff.
The Senior group danced the Bukovynian and the Volyn, and also joined with Intermediate 2 for a large-group version of the Hopak. The Senior girls performed the Transcarpathian and joined with Intermediate 2 girls for a Volyn Girls Dance. The Senior boys led a boys group in performing the Tambourine Dance and the Sword Dance.
Members of the Senior group are: Joshua Prychak, Liam Trask, Noah Prychak, Simon Craig Jordan Zbitniff, Isabelle Chabun, Rhianna Stefanyshyn, Natalie Kosar, Danielle Dutchak, Maddy Dutchak, Makayla Heshka and Cassidy Wolkowski.
The program was capped off with special recognition for graduating dancers Makayla Heshka and Noah Prychak.
“Noah Prychak and Makayla Heshka have been dancing for the club for many years now,” said Veselka President Wolkowski. “Both Noah and Makayla have been such great role models in our club over the last few years. We will be sad to see them go but wish them all the best in this next chapter of their lives.”
With this concert celebrating 50 years since the establishment of the Canora Veselka Dance School, Wolkowski said it’s a pretty safe bet that, “I don't think it would have lasted this many years without the community support of Canora. We are very lucky to have such a great community come out year after year to watch our dancers perform at our annual concert. Throughout the year our community helps us out with various fundraising opportunities as well.”
In addition to the annual concert, Veselka dancers also attends competitions, including the Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival in Regina held March 13-16, 2025.
“Our club did very well at this competition,” said Wolkowski. “We came home with nine gold medals and nine silver metals from Junior 2 up to Seniors groups. Some of our top marks were The Boys Sword Dance receiving 90 for gold and our highest scoring performance was our Girls Volyn Dance receiving 93, and the gold medal.
“Our club will be attending another competition, the,Yorkton Kalyna Ukrainian Dance Festival May 1-4, 2025.”
Having reached the 50-year milestone, Wolkowski turned her attention to the future.
“I think the future of Canora Veselka Dance looks amazing, we have a great group of dancers enrolled and this year we added 10 new dancers to our club. I foresee this club continuing to be very successful in the years to come.”
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