Sandy Lake Shevchenko Dance Ensemble set the stage on Sunday, April 29th for their 41st Spring Concert. The afternoon was filled with Ukrainian dance and culture sprinkled with laughter and community fellowship. Twenty-eight dancers showcased their skills. This year’s group consisted of 18 youth dancers and 10 adult dancers which were all instructed by Kathleen Klemetski. Pre-Beginners focused on their rhythm and counting skills by skipping, hopping and marching to music. The Beginners and Junior 1’s focused on Pokhid Skladniy (1-2-3) step, Tynok and ¼ turns with boys working on the next progression of steps in their Presikas and tricks like cartwheels and ‘around the world’ turns. Junior 2 and Intermediates focused on hand and foot positioning, Holubtsi (clicks), Pletenna (back shuffle) and spotting while turning.
The afternoon was kicked off with a Pryvit or Welcome Dance. Dancers wore costuming representative of the various regions of Ukraine. Honoured guests, Iris and Larry Andreychuk were presented with the gift of wheat and bread by Rose Wozney and Wyatt Woychyshyn.
The dancers performed Poltavas, Hutzuls, Bukos, Volyns, and Transcarpathian based regional dances. The adult group entertained the audience when they performed a Character Dance to the song, ‘The Perogy Dance’. The finale of the show consisted of the traditional Kolomeyka where all the talented dancers had a chance to join in and showcase off their favourite steps.
Presentations were made to instructor, Kathleen Klemetski for her valued instruction throughout the year by Tanya Lewandoski-Duncan. As well, Helen Lewandoski was recognized for her dedication to costuming for the dancers by emcee, Elicia Andreychuk. All dancers received Ukrainian glasses and flowers for their ongoing effort to promote Ukrainian dance and culture. A light lunch was served in appreciation for the dancers and their families, as well as, the community supporters.
Shevchenko Dance Ensemble is proud of the commitment that has been made by the dancers and their families in their quest to keep Ukrainian culture alive for our communities.
