AUDA Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association
The Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association exists to ensure that students of dance, artists, and citizens who believe Canada's rich heritage of Ukrainian dance and music are enabled to have a distinctive voice in shaping Alberta's cultural legacy. It is an AUDA voice that in innovative, engages broad-based community involvement and is respectful of the diversity of dance in Alberta.
This is our third annual Unity dance. We have passionate dancers from clubs throughout the entire province joining in todays performance. This years choreography was created and taught by Odessa Bahri with the assistance of Kayla Devaux. We hope you enjoy!
Broken Banjos
Ukrainian Folk Music
Broken Banjos
Ukrainian Folk Music
The Broken Banjos are a group of former Ukrainian dancers who have been friends for decades. They joined together in 2019 to celebrate their love of music and to play traditional Ukrainian folk songs on Ukrainian folk instruments. These include the tsymbaly (hammer dulcimer), bayan (button accordion), mandolin, bandura, sopilka (wooden flute) and bubon (drum with cymbal). Their style of playing is reminiscent of the village folk bands that would play for weddings and special events.
Band members are: Natalie Prytuluk, Phil Sembaliuk, Rick Wacko, Chris Koper, Debbie Koper, Taras Taciuk, Leanne Koziak
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Academy
Edmonton, Alberta
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Academy
Edmonton, Alberta
The Ukrainian Cheremosh Society, through its training and educational programs, strives to cultivate dancers of the highest caliber. It is the hope and intention of the Ukrainian Cheremosh Society to encourage all of our dancers to embrace the complexity, beauty and art that is Ukrainian dance and through their own creativity, dedication and commitment utilize this educational opportunity to its fullest.
The School of Dance Academy program offers a training program that is more in-depth and exposes dancers to more styles and regions of Ukrainian dance. A high level of commitment and self-motivation, as well as a love of dance, is required to meet this program’s high standards. The Academy Program is aimed at providing dancers with the skills and experience to audition for the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company.
Within the Academy Program there are three performing groups: Chumak 1, Chumak 2 & Cheremshyna. Since 1991, The Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company and School of Dance has had the privilege of working with Artistic Director and Ballet Master Mykola Kanevets.
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company
Edmonton, Alberta
Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company
Edmonton, Alberta
Cheremosh is a leader in Ukrainian Dance in Canada and we have had phenomenal success as a semi-professional Ukrainian dance company the world over. Our dancing is rich in intensity, energy, and spirit, and we have a reputation for bringing amazing choreography to the stage. We take audiences on a colorful and exhilarating journey, thrilling them with intricate choreography, spectacular costumes and dynamic music. Men leap to amazing heights with their breathtaking acrobatics while women spin across the stage with incredible beauty and grace. Our 50-member dance company is without a doubt a sight to behold.
Under the artistic direction of ballet master, Mykola Kanevets our dancers train in demi classical ballet, character and Ukrainian dance technique. This allows us to bring the polish of classical ballet while keeping the boisterousness and vivacity of folk dance that audiences crave.
Cheremosh is extremely versatile and we tailor our show packages to your stage, audience, theatre season, and budget. We do shows from 15 minutes to entire two-hour programs. Part of our mandate as a dance company is to give back to the communities we dance in and we have both school show and dance workshop packages available.
Current company dancers will say that some of their favourite moments while on tour happen during our community outreach workshops. Teaching sections of company choreography to aspiring (or totally new) dancers and then having them approach us after the show with a sparkle in their eye saying ‘I know how do that combination you did in the second dance!’ is a feeling second to none. Witnessing how making the arts accessible can change a child’s life is exactly what Cheremosh is trying to accomplish.
When Cheremosh comes to your community, we leave an impact like no other, and your patrons will always want more.
Dzherelo Ukrainian Children Theatre Studio
Dzherelo (fountain, spring, well) is a children's artistic drama group which was founded in 1992 by the Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada, Edmonton.
Dzherelo has an extensive and interesting theatrical repertoire including such shows as "lvacyk Telecyk" ,"Koza-Dereza", "Chervona Shapochka (The Red Hat), "Rukavychka (The Glove)", "Kolorove Moloko" (Colored Milk)", "Kolysanky (Lullabies)", "Mama DIja Mamonchatka", Each year the group participates in numerous concerts and events including: St. Nicholas and Shevchenko concerts, Mother's Day ce!ebrations, observance of the Famine Genocide in Ukraine, the Day of Heroine's, Malanka (New Year), the Feast of Jordan (Epiphany) and other events.
Dzherelo is composed of members ranging in age from 4 to 12 years of age. In a welcoming and fun environment, children develop their skills, talents and cultural awareness by learning and participating in the various aspects of performing arts, both on stage and behind the scenes. This includes working together as a group and individually, role playing, and stage presentation (verbal, musical and coordination of movements).
"Dzherelo" provides youth with cultural experiences, a better knowledge and understanding of performing arts, as well as of themselves as individuals and recognition of Ukrainian artists, musicians, literary authors and traditions. What could be better than to develop a wide circle of friends, revel in the joy of a role well played and take pride in the applause received for successful performances.
Edmonton School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
Eric Yaremko
Edmonton, Alberta
Eric Yaremko
Edmonton, Alberta
Eric Yaremko is a Ukrainian-Canadian musician from Edmonton Alberta. A pianist of 22 years with a background in classical training, he is also a singer and guitar player, a songwriter, performer, and co-writer. Eric's sound oscillates across many genres including folk, pop, classical, traditional Irish, Ukrainian pop and R&B. With a voice that is raw, gentle, powerful and smooth, his performances evoke the spirits of his ancestors and move the hearts of those listening. He has been performing around Edmonton for 8 years and has performed in countries including Ireland, Norway and the United States
Euphoria Ukrainian Band
Edmonton, Alberta
Euphoria Ukrainian Band
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton's Euphoria Band is a fusion of Ukrainian pop, rock, and traditional music from Ukraine along with English favourites performed in a contemporary style. Euphoria has been entertaining audiences at zabavas, weddings and special events throughout the Canadian prairies for over 12 years. The band’s beginnings originated in 2007 with like-minded friends from Edmonton sharing a musical passion. This passion quickly turned into one of Alberta's premiere dance bands playing Ukrainian music with a modern twist.
Euphoria released its debut album in 2018 and has performed at festivals and events across Canada. In 2019, the band toured Ukraine in what was a monumental and cherished moment for the group. Euphoria is known in the Ukrainian Canadian community for upholding its Ukrainian heritage through traditional Ukrainian songs with modern pop influences from Ukraine. Recognizing changing musical preferences for live music, Euphoria is pleased to perform any combination of Ukrainian or English repertoire for events.
Feyeria Bandurist
Ансамбль бандуристів Феєрія - наймолодший колектив в Едмонтоні. Нас об'єднала бандура і любов до української музики, до української пісні. Бандура- це український народний інструмент, код української нації, символ нескореного , волелюбного, незалежного і непереможного українського народу!! Ми хочемо нести українську культуру у світ, і звичайно віримо у якнайшвидшу перемогу України. І сьогодні наша пісня- це наша зброя на культурному фронті.
The Ensemble of Bandurists Feeriya is the youngest collective in Edmonton. We were united by Bandura and love for Ukrainian music, for Ukrainian song. Bandura is a Ukrainian folk instrument, the code of the Ukrainian nation, a symbol of the indomitable, freedom-loving, independent and invincible Ukrainian people!! We want to bring Ukrainian culture to the world. We believe in the speedy victory of Ukraine. Today our song is our weapon on the cultural front.
KARAR Performing Arts
The KaRAR Performing Arts Studio, based in Stony Plain, Alberta, was established in 2009, initially offering a diverse range of dance and production classes for dancers of all ages, from preschool to adult. Over time, their Ukrainian Dance Program has expanded to serve Stony Plain and neighboring communities.
These talented dancers have showcased their love and commitment to Ukrainian dance and culture through performances at various festivals and competitions across Alberta and Saskatchewan, alongside local community shows in Stony Plain.
Their dedication has earned them numerous performance achievements and awards throughout the years. Under the direction of choreographer Kasya Jaddock, the dancers will showcase a variety of regional styles, characterized by intricate footwork and vibrant costumes adorned with traditional embroidery. Join us as the KaRAR Performing Arts Ukrainian Dancers bring the lively spirit of Ukrainian culture to the stage
Koperoush Dance Association
Koperoush is a parent-run, family-friendly Dance Association dedicated to providing children with the highest calibre of Ukrainian dance instruction in Sherwood Park, Alberta since 1997. Dancers as young as four years old are welcomed to join our group to learn Ukrainian dance techniques. Our highly qualified instructors teach under the meticulous guidance of Artistic Director Zhenia Bahri. The goal of the Koperoush is to maintain and develop the art of Ukrainian folk dance, raise it to the highest standard possible under the syllabus of the Vaganova Ballet and Character dance methods, and to develop a personal appreciation for dance. We are proud to be able to offer first-class facilities with full-length mirrors and permanent barres. Our classes are capped to ensure individual attention. We are a parent run, family-friendly Association dedicated to providing quality instruction in our own community.
Parkland Ukrainian Dancers Society
Stony Plain, Alberta
Parkland Ukrainian Dancers Society
Stony Plain, Alberta
For 40 years, the Parkland Ukrainian Dancers have been preserving Ukrainian Culture in Parkland County. Established in 1983, Parkland Ukrainian Dancers Society (PUDS) allows the youth of the community an opportunity to experience and appreciate Ukrainian culture through costume, music and dance.
The group currently has 51 dancers amongst 7 groups, ranging in age from 3 years old to adult, and is led by artistic director Kayla Devaux. Today's performance has brand new music created by composer Carlene Friesen with Kur Excellence funded by the Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association.
Polka Ramblers
Camrose, Alberta
Polka Ramblers
Camrose, Alberta
Sharing traditional family favorites with audiences for many years, the Polka Ramblers have performed for numerous Weddings, Dances, Malanka’s and Festivals including U-Fest, Ukrainian Village Music Fest, and Pysanka Festivals.
SLOOHAI
This high energy group creates the perfect party atmosphere that is sure to keep the dance floor
full with their wide variety of music. From Winnipeg, Manitoba, this Ukrainian-Canadian Zabava
band has become one of the provinces’ most popular Ukrainian party bands.
Proudly founded out of baba's basement in 1999 by fiddle player Will Kaye and drummer Matthew
Prychun. They publicly established “SLOOHAI” in 2001 when bass player Gord Chubey joined the
band.
With years of hard work and passion for their culture, the group has had much success. Taking
them across North America to play many special events, weddings and festivals. Featuring 6
talented members, their future shines brighter than ever before!
St. Basil’s School of Dance and Kupalo
Edmonton, Alberta
St. Martin Ukrainian Dance Academy
Edmonton, Alberta
St. Martin Ukrainian Dance Academy
Edmonton, Alberta
The Ukrainian Dance Academy is a great way for children to experience Ukrainian culture, learn the history of the Ukrainian dance, build flexibility for other sports, leadership opportunities, and builds life-long friendships. It is comprised of classical ballet, character ballet, and Ukrainian dance techniques.Our instructional team of Megan Alexandruk, Debbie Kachmar Potter and Zhenia Bahri challenge our students to be the best they can be. Their collaborative knowledge has created a fantastic program for the students of St. Martin.
St. Matthew Dance Academy
Edmonton, Alberta
St. Matthew Dance Academy
Edmonton, Alberta
The Ukrainian Dance Academy is a great way for children to experience Ukrainian culture, learn the history of the Ukrainian dance, build flexibility for other sports, leadership opportunities, and builds life-long friendships. It is comprised of classical ballet, character balle, and Ukrainian dance techniques. Our instructional team of Debbie Kachmar Potter and Zhenia Bahri challenge our students to be the best they can be. Their collaborative knowledge has created a fantastic program for the students of St. Matthew.
Trembita Band
Edmonton, Alberta
Trembita Band
Edmonton, Alberta
Trembita is a Ukrainian folk zabava band based out of Edmonton, Alberta that has been doing the FOLK and POLKA circuit for a while...
Ukrainian Dnipro Choir of Edmonton
The Ukrainian Dnipro Ensemble of Edmonton is proud to announce it is celebrating its 70th season! Like its namesake – the Dnieper River in Ukraine – the choir has extended its strength great distances but closely bounds the life and culture of the people.
In 1953, the late Roman Soltykewych and a group of fellow devotees of Ukrainian choral music founded the Dnipro Male Chorus. In 1971, Dnipro became a mixed choir. As conductor, Soltykewych made an important and distinctive contribution to the development and retention of the Ukrainian choral tradition in Canada.
At his untimely death in 1976, Maria Dytyniak assumed the baton.
Under the direction of Irena Szmihelsky since 2011, the choir has featured diverse concert programs which have included newly commissioned works and repertoire from a rich repository of Ukrainian choral music of all genres.
Among its many accomplishments, the Ukrainian Dnipro Ensemble of Edmonton is proud to have graced stages for audiences in Canada, United States, Philippines, Australia and, in 2018, Ukraine.
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers
Edmonton, Alberta
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers
Edmonton, Alberta
Established in Edmonton in 1959, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers present dance-theatre touring productions across Canada and around the world. Seen by millions on international broadcasts, the company has presented command performances for Queens and Presidents and have performed alongside the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Julie Andrews. While maintaining deep respect for their heritage, Shumka continually challenges conventional boundaries to define the experience of Ukrainian dance in the context of today’s society. Shumka has an extensive repertoire of original works including Shumka’s Nutcracker, Kobzar, Ancestors & Elders, Mosquito’s Wedding, Echoes of Hopak, and its work in progress based on the imagination of Lesia Ukrainka.
In 2022, Shumka was awarded the Shevchenko Medal by the National Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the highest such award of merit in Canada recognizing outstanding national contributions in culture and the arts. In the same year, Shumka also received the Hnatyshyn Foundation’s Ukraine – Heritage, Spirit and Future Award, recognizing and celebrating exceptional talent in performing artists of Ukrainian heritage in Canada. Last year also saw Shumka celebrate its 60th anniversary with Shumka on Tour including 12 performances in six cities across Canada.
In recent years, Shumka has also produced numerous award-winning dance films including Ancestors & Elders, Dancing on Eggshells, and Promised Land. It is currently in post-production with a 3-D version of the whimsical Mosquito’s Wedding which premiered in 2023. Part of Shumka’s mandate is the creation of a centre of excellence in dance education to prepare the next generation of dancers in the art form.
The Shumka School of Dance trains over 200 young dancers using North America’s only syllabus for Ukrainian dance, in addition to contemporary movement and RAD ballet instruction. Studia Shumka – a junior performing ensemble and training program between the School and the professional Shumka company - was established in the Fall of 2018. Shumka also offers Ukrainian-dance and RAD-based fitness classes for seniors and adults including its popular Seniors Can Shumka and Silver Swans programs. Shumka is based in the Shumka Dance Centre in downtown Edmonton. For more information, visit shumka.com
Veeteretz School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
Veeteretz School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
The Veeteretz School of Ukrainian dance is celebrating over 45 years of Excellence in Dance in the Heart of North Edmonton.
Veeteretz is a community-based program committed to delivering authentic, traditional Ukrainian Dance instruction in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Our dance program sets challenging yet realistic expectations for participants while exploring Ukrainian Culture.
Veeteretz School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
Veeteretz School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
The Veeteretz School of Ukrainian dance is celebrating over 45 years of Excellence in Dance in the Heart of North Edmonton.
Veeteretz is a community-based program committed to delivering authentic, traditional Ukrainian Dance instruction in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Our dance program sets challenging yet realistic expectations for participants while exploring Ukrainian Culture.
Verkhovyna Ukrainian Choir
Edmonton, Alberta
Verkhovyna Ukrainian Choir
Edmonton, Alberta
The Verkhovyna Choir was formed in 1959, as a female vocal group. Under the direction of Mr. M. Sochaniwsky, their first conductor, the choir made their first public appearance on April 24, 1960. The choir remained a female entity until 1976, when its membership was expanded to include male voices.
The Verkhovyna Choir specializes in interpreting the traditional song and dance of the Ukrainian people. On the Edmonton Ukrainian cultural landscape, choral singing boasts a proud and accomplished tradition, and Verkhovyna has always been driven to consistently widen its repertoire while improving each member's singing technique. Verkhovyna has grown to produce dramatic renditions of traditional, ancestral and folkloric themes, as well as introducing interpretive works that depict the contemporary realities of an independent Ukraine.
Today, the Verkhovyna Choir consists of more than twenty five dedicated individuals under the direction of Namisha Greening, who thrive as a group that is always warmly received at various community celebrations, receptions, banquets, multicultural showcases, and their many self-produced full-length shows. This year Verkhovyna Choir celebrates its 65th Anniversary.
Dunai Dancers
Edmonton, Alberta
Dunai Dancers
Edmonton, Alberta
The Dunai dance troupe was formed in 1974, when 14 young and energetic people signed up to dance to the choreography of Mr. Roman Manastersky. The group was named after the Danube River, in the heart of Eastern Europe. The Verkhovyna Dunai dancers are comprised of 25 female and male dancers ranging in ages from 18 to 28 years. They are under the direction of artistic director Caitlin Loree and Assistant Director Loren Winnick. The company's unique choreography has been warmly accepted at performances, banquets, receptions, conventions, multicultural showcases, festivals, and full-length shows. Their repertoire consists of various traditional and staged folk dances from different regions of Ukraine. As part of the Verkhovyna Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble, Dunai aims to promote Ukrainian culture and increase awareness of Ukrainian heritage. Verkhovyna thrives on enabling its own members, audiences, and community to build friendships, a sense of belonging and an extended family.
Verkhovyna School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
Verkhovyna School of Ukrainian Dance
Edmonton, Alberta
Verkhovyna School of Ukrainian Dance is a parent-operated dance school with approximately 100 students in 8 classes. The age range of our students is from 3 to adult and students rehearse once per week and perform several times per year.
Our instructors have extensive Ukrainian dance and teaching experience and encourage our students to strive for excellence while also fostering a positive and enjoyable learning environment.
Our dancers have participated in several performances in Banff on Canada Day, Disney Performing Art Workshops and performances in both Disneyland and California Adventure Park, performance with Stars at Sea on Carnival Cruise, numerous festivals, showcases, Malankas, and other in-town performances.
Veselka Ukrainian Dancers
Edmonton, Alberta
Veselka Ukrainian Dancers
Edmonton, Alberta
In 1983, few expected that a group of friends learning to dance for exercise and fun would be the beginning of one of Canada's many prized adult Ukrainian dance ensembles. 40 years later, this spirit has grown. Countless audiences have raved over Veselka's character, humour and unique style of presenting Ukrainian traditions through dance. With nearly 40 members, Veselka has performed at numerous functions ranging from weddings and celebrations to festivals and special events throughout North America. Some of Veselka's highlights include performances in Dauphin, Ottawa , Montreal, Calgary, Vegreville, UFEST Edmonton's Ukrainian Festival and the opening ceremonies of the World Track and Field Championships in Edmonton, as well the Scandinavian Festival in Junction City and the Slavic Festival in Eugene, Oregon. Veselka’s choreography is under the direction of their very talented artistic director Trisha Bayrock and since the beginning of 2023 they welcomed assistant instructor Brent Kostyniuk.
Veselka is proud and excited to perform at UFest once again!
Viva Dance Company
Viva Dance Company thrives at the intersection of artistry and athleticism. Their style of dance is a fusion of contemporary, acro yoga, jazz, and modern dance. Boasting an incredibly hardworking cast of female identifying dancers, Viva has performed in over 300 shows since 2012.
Throughout their rehearsal and training processes, mentorship and empowerment are at the crux of their culture. This group of passionate dancers holds the Ukrainian people in their hearts and hopes to benefit the community through their dance art.
Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Edmonton, Alberta
Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Edmonton, Alberta
Volya, meaning ‘freedom’ encompasses the unified spirit of its current ensemble members. With many of Volya’s original members having studied in Ukraine, a desire existed to develop a similar academic style of dance within Canada. A strict adherence to technical training and professionalism is a philosophical belief still maintained today under the Artistic Direction of Zhenia Bahri, a former professional dancer and director from Ukraine. Zhenia has been the Artistic Director since 2000 and has brought unsurpassed passion, knowledge, and expertise to the Ensemble in his lifelong dedication to the art of Ukrainian dance.
Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is an Edmonton based dance company dedicated to contributing to the social and cultural growth of Ukrainian Heritage in Edmonton. For over 30 years, Volya has enthralled local audiences and performs on a national and international platform. Volya combines the highest standards of technical excellence with intricate footwork and the authentic artistry that are the hallmarks of Ukrainian Dance.
Since its’ inception in 1989, Volya has flourished into a vibrant ensemble consisting of dedicated members who have captivated and delighted audiences with their dynamic performances around the world. Volya has entertained audiences at festivals in Germany, Holland, Brazil, Italy, USA (California, New York), Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Turkey, France, England, the Azores Islands, Greece, Colombia and across Canada.
Volya! actively participates in the community through donated performances at various events, including the For Kids by Kids benefit for the Stollery Children’s Hospital and workshops with local schools. Additionally, Volya has headlined several festivals across Canada over the years. These include: The Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian Festival, Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, Vegreville Pysanka Festival and Edmonton’s own Ukrainian Festival, UFest.
Over the years many dancers have entered Volya's studios with the same goal in mind, to dance for the love of dance and to establish an identity for the ensemble that is uniquely Volya!
YAVIR Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton
For 38 years the Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton (UMCE) has pursued the objective of developing, promoting, and fostering a greater appreciation of the traditions of Ukrainian choral singing. The UMCE’s first major performance was at Expo ’86 in Vancouver. The choir was proud to represent Canada at the 1996 International Choral Festival in Missoula, Montana. The UMCE toured Poland and Western Ukraine in 2002 and returned to Ukraine in 2011 for a concert tour. The choir also traveled to Australia in 2008 and has performed in all of the major cities in Canada. In 2014, the UMCE participated in the World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, and also performed in Poland and Austria. And in 2017, the choir toured Spain and Portugal.
Throughout its existence, the UMCE has hosted and performed at numerous events in the Edmonton area, and every December hosts a Christmas concert called “A Festive Mosaic”. The choir has also performed on several occasions with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in the past few years.
The choir has released 4 recordings: That Old Sheepskin Coat, The Ukrainian Male Chorus of Edmonton LIVE! Malanka Suite and Kateryna. The current artistic director of the UMCE is Slava Morozov.
