3 minute read
Spectacular Ukrainian Entertainment
Spectacular Ukrainian Entertainment
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Svitlo Ukrainian Dancers wowed a crowd of 350 at the Sixth Annual Razom at Vegreville Social Centre on February 1 and till the early morning of February 2.
All eyes were set on the stage as the talented dancers emerged. They performed breathtaking choreography, humorous Ukrainian brief skits, graceful dancing and energetic pieces.
Vegreville Academy of Ukrainian Dance Association hosted this event which included a meal catered by Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, a performance by the band Millenia to which attendees danced, a silent auction, and a late lunch made by VAUDA Club.
Vice-President Holly Warawa emceed the event where she announced that after the amalgamation of Promin and Sopilka in 2018, VAUDA was formed with a shared vision to teach, preserve, and promote their heritage and culture of Ukrainian dance. Their name, Svitlo, in Ukrainian means light. And every year, they celebrate with their Razom, which means together. So, together they share an evening of Ukrainian culture, to showcase the lights of their young generation.
Warawa went on to express that as they look back one year, they celebrate their progress, and the new families who have joined them, but it’s also a time to reflect on their rebuilding after hardship. “The passing of our President, the late Kevin Siemers, shook our community. We look at the considerable hardship that has occurred after yet another year of a war that Ukraine is fighting. And the loved ones who we’ve since lost in our families and communities.”
Warawa then recognized their Razom organizers Rob Crosbie, Sarah Spak, and Ashley Olynyk, as well as VAUDA President Raeanne Yakimec and their Executive with Secretary Andrea Kavich, Treasurer Olha Koval, Gaming Director Christel Sen, and Costume Director Jen Crosbie, and their instructors Shaughnessy Potter and Jessie Balan.
Dancer from the youngest set Katana Musiowsky said they practiced for about two weeks before the dance and her favorite part was being together with her peers.
Nykita Musiowsky expressed her delight in performing for everyone and that she enjoyed dancing where they became friends with the geese and did toe heel, toe heel dance steps.
