A Vernon-based Ukrainian dance ensemble stamped its impression on audiences in Calgary earlier this month.
The Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Andrea Malysh, performed at the Calgary Ukrainian Festival June 1 and 2. The festival provides Calgarians with vibrant and colourful memories of traditional Ukrainian song and dance, an appreciation for its arts and costumes, and a taste for its delicious cuisine.
The festival is put on in the spirit of community and camaraderie, and with a deep respect to the many Ukrainian immigrants who settled across Canada more than 125 years ago. The festival honours the memory of these Ukrainians by preserving their cultural heritage and continuing the many customs and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.
Sadok was invited as guest performers by festival production director Trevor Shular, who is also the artistic director of the Calgary Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre and has provided Ukrainian dance workshops and choreography for Sadok over the years. Shular and Malysh met and studied Ukrainian dance and ethnography in Lviv, Ukraine at the International Ukrainian Dance program back in 1994 and have since become lifelong friends, sharing a passion for Ukrainian dance.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for the Sadok Adult Ensemble to perform at a festival that welcomes thousands over the weekend. With two performance venues called Kyiv stage and Lviv stage, Sadok performed among the local dance groups, Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre and Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, among others," said Malysh. "Other guests included Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company and Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, both of Edmonton. Also performing was guest artist from Ukraine, Oksana Mukha, recent winner of the Ukrainian television show, Voice. Sadok had the honour of opening the Saturday evening show on Kyiv stage with Pryvit, the Welcome Dance.”
Sadok held their Okanagan Ukrainian Festival on May 26 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, and Malysh said the event was well attended. The annual festival brings local Ukrainian dance groups together to celebrate their culture. This year's festival was another fundraiser for Ukraine, and as the war with Russia rages on, Sadok thanked those who donated to support much-needed humanitarian aid.
Sadok will be performing at Vernon's Canada Day celebrations in Polson Park.
For more information on fall registration for both the children’s and adults’ ensembles, contact sadok@shaw.ca or visit their website, www.sadok.net. Sadok is also available for performances throughout the Thompson Okanagan Valley region for weddings, corporate events, and family reunions, among others.
