The Ukrainian dance group PFE will be peforming Saturday evening in North Battleford, alongside the local Svoboda Dancers. (Facebook/Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Ukraine Dancers

Ukraine dance ensemble set to perform Saturday

Apr 8, 2022 | 6:10 PM

A unique display of dance and culture is expected tomorrow night at the Don Ross Centre.

The Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble (PFE), a non-profit dance group based in Saskatchewan, will perform at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, alongside local crew the Svoboda Dancers. Following this display, there will be live music from Prairie Dust.

Gala coordinator Kelsee Douglas said this is something PFE has wanted to do for several years, but been unable to because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“As it became safer for us to do so we started planning it and reaching out to communities and continue to build the support for Ukrainian culture and traditions,” she said.

All of the proceeds will go to the Canada Ukraine Foundation, which is helping Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Relief. Douglas said it’s particularly important for their dancers to perform now. Many people in the ensemble have family and friends still in Ukraine.

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“It’s worth it to perform because we are gaining that support and strengthening those traditions here while they are being threatened over there,” she said.

Most of the ensemble have second or third generation Ukrainian heritage, with others being more loosely related. Douglas said those who aren’t Ukrainian have also developed a love for the culture, dancing over the years in small communities where Ukrainian dance was what everyone did.

“We all have those connections to the customs, dancing and traditions behind the steps we do on stage.”

Cooperative performance

The local dancers are just as eager in awaiting Saturday’s event. Brett Sheppard, president of the Svoboda Dancers, said they’re grateful for the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.

“They haven’t been able to for the last couple years, so it’s going to be a good [evening],” he said.

Even though these dancers are further removed from Ukrainian culture, Sheppard said it’s still meaningful being able to take part in something that represents the traditions of Ukraine. The costumes themselves represent every region of the country and the older dancers have spent years not only in practicing their moves, but learning about their importance.

“Over the years of them dancing, they’ve created that connection and knowledge of some of the history and different regions,” he said.

Anyone looking for tickets and more information on the event can contact PFE by emailing gala@pfedance.com.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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