Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers Host Malanka

Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers Host Malanka

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers of Innisfree hosted Malanka celebrations on Jan. 18. An estimated 325 people attended the annual event at Innisfree Recreation Center.

As people filtered through the lobby they were treated to the upbeat sounds of Millenia who performed several selections. Hostesses Amberlyn Myshaniuk and Tiffany Tomlinson greeted guests and toasted to a happy New Year with them before they took seats.

The Chudovyi Beginners get ready to parade through the crowd and up onto the stage to perform for the sold out crowd.

(Michelle Pinon Photos).

Marilyn Newton, President of the Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers of Innisfree, said Malanka is the “biggest highlight” of the year for the club as they have to hire a live band, offer a catered meal and ensure the decorations are stunning for guests.

The event is also the biggest fundraiser for the club. “We`re hoping to raise $8,000. That will cover nearly all the instructor fees for the year. “We sold out with 20 on the waiting list, so we`re going to have to up our tickets next year.”

Newton said the club was very fortunate to get the Ukrainian band Millenia as they are usually booked up two years in advance. “So it was fortunate they could perform in Innisfree.” The Malanka committee was also appreciative of all of the parents and volunteers who pitch in to make the event such a success. Kudos also went out to caterer Nadia Melnyk. “Everyone knows Nadia,” added Newton. Nadia is like a grandma to everyone, along with her own grandchildren, some of who dance in the club.

The dancers, 20 in total, range between three and 45 years of age. Newton said the dancers had been practicing hundreds of hours since September to prepare for the gala. Newton’s daughter Madison, who has been dancing for 13 years, was sidelined by an injury but decided to perform a number with the group. The 16-year-old said she hopes to become a dance teacher in the future. The dancers will also be spending many more hours in the months ahead practicing for festivals and community performances.

(Michelle Pinon Photos).

There were several generations of families in attendance to enjoy the festivities. Kevin Kassian, Co-Master of Ceremonies said Malanka is a nice way to get together after New Years. For Ranfurly area farmer Teresa Makowecki it was her first Malanka.”It’s always been on our bucket list,”said`Makowecki, whose daughter`s wedding reception will be held in the recreation center this summer. She was also excited to see Millenia perform. “It is a rarity to see Millenia in a small town.” Millenia is what Bon Jovi is to rock music, and the band’s popularity was evident as the dance floor was full with partygoers. “It’s an amazing community event. It brings everyone together,”stated Darcy Morris, who was in attendance with his wife Dalyce. The couple have two children, Gracy and Kashlyn, who both dance in the group. Michael Hiltz came to support his step daughter Sydnee Bouchier. The same was for Marwayne area resident Laureena Kipps who came to support her friend whose daughter Makinlee Holman dances in the club.

The Chudovyi Ukrainian Dancers were definite crowd pleasers, from the beginners to the juniors, intermediates, seniors and adults. The grace, elegance and beauty of the female dancers was offset by the power, strength and flexibility of the male dancers which made for great performances.

The story of Malanka was presented by the Chudovyi Players who rang in the Ukrainian New Year in style. As the old year is swept away, the New Year was ushered in. The nurse made sure the path was clear for the baby. Accompanying the New Year is Malanka, the epitome of grace and beauty. The horse brought a gift for the farmers of Innisfree to have a bountiful harvest, the goat brought good fortune, and the Bear had a sweet offering of honey. The Devil brought in a bit of mischief, but was kept in line by the Cop. Of course, folks from the crowd were pulled out on the dance floor to participate in all the fun. It was definitely a night to remember.