Polished Grandstand Shows at Vegreville Pysanka Festival

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

A kaleidoscopic display of professional Ukrainian dancers and musicians took the audience on a voyage through the wonder of the Ukrainian culture in dance and song at July 5, 6, and 7’s Grandstand Shows at Vegreville 46th Annual Ukrainian Pysanka Festival.

Yes, people came from near and far to dive into a cultural performing arts experience like the ones the grandstand shows presented.

The July 6’s afternoon show featured Ukrainian dance groups: Viter Dance, Shumka which is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, Tetyana Lozova and Yaroslav Tkachuk who are top of the National ballet of Ukrainian. Each of these dance groups’ performance wowed the audience with the beauty of their choreography, vigorous and booming movements, or sweeping and soft dance steps where it was all perfectly suited to the style of Ukrainian dance they performed.

The music entertainment came in a smooth pace and included Trioda, Auresia, and Zabava U Koli where these musicians were able to perform masterly their soft songs, dance songs, or songs with incredible strength and energy.

There was a speech presentation by Dr. Gennadii Siabrenko who expressed his gratitude on behalf of the citizens of Ukraine for the donations and collection of seven tonnes of medical supplies for the Ukraine Military Hospital. Siabrenko also presented a plaque to the Vegreville Cultural Association for their help.

The most touching moment was when everyone was invited to dance and many children went to the stage to dance and express their enjoyment of the music by Zabava U Koli.

This show closed with all the performers going on stage while Trioda sang the Ukrainian National Anthem.