CANORA - Over a year into the war in Ukraine started by the Russian invasion, the 47th Annual Veselka Ukrainian Dance Concert at Canora Composite School provided a welcome opportunity to celebrate Ukrainian culture along with the dedication and talent of the featured student dancers.
The program opened with a greeting from Maria Schigol, emcee.
“Welcome to our celebration of Ukrainian heritage. I danced with Veselka for 13 years and it’s so great to see these talented dancers carry on the tradition.”
A moment of silence was observed “in memory of the soldiers and citizens of Ukraine who have lost their lives due to the Russian invasion.”
All the dancers gathered on stage for the singing of O Canada and Shche Ne Vmerla Ukrainas (Ukraine National Anthem).
All dancers took part in the Pryvit, also known as the Welcome Presentation. Junior 1 dancers Aspyn Fullawka, Miles Kitchen, Paisley Mickelson, and Keira Owchar made the traditional presentation of the Bread, Salt and Wheat, which represents a wish of prosperity and health.
A total of 42 dancers took part in the concert in total with ages ranging from five to 16 years, according to Shannon Unick, president of Canora Veselka Ukrainian Dance.
“The dancers gave the audience an exceptional performance. Their hard work, dedication and love of dance showed it!” said Unick.
Throughout the program, the audience spontaneously broke out in applause during the performances to show their appreciation for the energetic entertainment provided by the dancers.
Unick said practices were held once a week in preparation for the big event.
During the program, duet Poltava dances were performed by Joshua Prychak and Maddy Dutchak, and Jack Craig and Meekah Unick.
The Junior 1 group members are instructed by Serhiy Zabutnyy and performed two additional dances, the Poltava and the Transcarpathian.
The Poltava is acrobatic and physically demanding for the boys, while the girls display grace and beauty while dancing in technically demanding unison. The Transcarpathian is a moderately paced dance, rhythmic and bouncy with distinct twisting body motions.
Serhiy Zabutnyy is the instructor of the Junior II group, which includes: Bella Fullawka, Kaydence Goulet, Jacob Prychak, Layla Keyowski, Riley Roberts, Cadence Dutchak, Olivia Owchar, Isabelle Kondratoff and Yana Shymanska. The Junior II group performed the Hutzul and the Poltava.
Hutzul dances are lively and energetic, characterized by quick stomping and intricate footwork, combined with swift vertical movements.
The Junior III group is instructed by Liana Zabutnyy. Group members Ethan Chabun, Drew Kitchen, Emmett Kitchen and Hannah Dutchak performed the Transcarpathian and the Poltava, and also combined with the Intermediate I group for their interpretation of the Hutzul.
The instructor of the Intermediate 1 group is Liana Zabutnyy. Group members are: Reid Kitchen, Greta Craig, Madison Dutchak, Tessa Prychak, Jevon Keyowski and Maya Dutchak. In addition to their collaboration with the Junior III group on the Hutzul, they also performed the Polissia, a fast paced, bouncy dance that incorporates high leg movements with repetitive tapping and stamping.
The Intermediate II group is instructed by Liana Zabutnyy. Group members include: Isabelle Chabun, Simon Craig, Maddy Dutchak, Rori Love, Cassidy Wolkowski, Danielle Dutchak, Olivia Tratch, Joshua Prychak, Natalie Kosar and Rhianna Stefanyshyn. Intermediate II performances included the Poltava and the Bukovynian.
The Bukovynian dances are lively, energetic and characterized by high stepping, intricate foot stamping combinations.
The Senior group instructor was Serhiy Zabutnyy and features the following dancers: Meekah Unick, Henry Craig, Jack Craig, Ava Love, Makayla Heshka, Brenna Reine, Noah Prychak, Sofia Tratch and Alaina Roebuck. The Seniors performed a total of four dances: Transcarpathian, Hopak, Bukovynian and Volyn.
Volyn dance steps are characterized by energetic jumping, high legs, lively arms and twirling steps.
The Boys group instructor was Serhiy Zabutnyy. Group members, from junior, intermediate and senior age groups included: Miles Kitchen, Jacob Prychak, Emmett Kitchen, Drew Kitchen, Reid Kitchen, Jevon Keyowski, Josh Prychak, Noah Prychak, Jack Craig and Henry Craig. The Boys group performed the sword dance.
Liana Zabutnyy was the instructor of the Gypsy group. The Gypsy dance was performed by: Meekah Unick, Ava Love, Makayla Heshka, Brenna Reine, Sofia Tratch and Alaina Roebuck. Choreography for the Gypsy dance incorporates spins and high leg movements, and is highly seductive compared to other traditional Ukrainian dances.
Veselka dancers previously excelled at the Kalyna Festival in Yorkton on April 28-30, bringing home a number of medals. Their 2022-23 season ends with the Veselka concert.
In addition to Shannon Unick, members of the executive for the past season were: Crystal Reine, vice-president, Chantel Kitchen, secretary and Cindy Wolkowski, treasurer.
Megan Mickelson was the competition co-ordinator and also served as costume co-ordinator along with Tina Love and Shannon Unick.
