By Angela Brown

Celebrated Ukrainian dance troupe to perform in North Battleford

Dec 14, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Residents in the Battlefords area planning to attend Malanka, the Ukrainian New Year’s celebration, will be in for a treat. 

The evening will include a traditional Ukrainian dinner, music by the Polka Dots, as well as a full performance by the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble.

Hailing from Saskatoon, the dance troupe has entertained all over the world and has even given a number of shows for Queen Elizabeth II.

Evelyn Wojcichowsky, who is on the board of directors for the Yevshan troupe, said her daughter Luba will give a presentation about the history of Malanka during the local event.  

The group started in 1960 and is one of the oldest in Western Canada.

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“We do dances from almost every region in Ukraine,” said Wojcichowsky. “I believe there are about 15 different regions.”

She mentioned about 14 per cent of people in Saskatchewan have Ukrainian heritage, so there is a strong interest locally in Ukrainian dance and music. About 30 dancers will be taking part in the North Battleford show. 

Wojcichowsky said individuals need to audition if they want join the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, so people attending the upcoming show can expect to see a very high-calibre professional dance performance.

Ukrainian New Year, which follows the Julian calendar, takes place on Jan. 14. According to tradition, people usually visit one another’s homes to ring in the New Year in Ukraine to celebrate.

Wojcichowsky said the troupe’s artistic director has arranged several exciting choreographed pieces for the show coming to North Battleford. 

“People will see very vibrant Ukrainian dancing, and the traditional Hopak,” she added. “It’s a dance everyone will recognize no matter where you come from. It’s the national dance of Ukraine.”

The Malanka celebration event will take place Jan. 19  at the Gold Eagle Casino. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and show to follow. 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW