Ukrainian Dance Week was unanimously proclaimed by Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.
The request for the week was made by Yorkton Kalyna Ukrainian Dance School, a non-profit cultural organization established in 1975 to promote and preserve the Ukrainian heritage through the art of dance.
“This week would precede our annual competition that is highlighted as one of the top attractions to our city, the Regional High School and Anne Portnuff Theatre,” explained presenter Kevin Kluk.
Kluk said the organization has worked hard to build Ukrainian dance in the city and, in particular, the major spring competition they host.
“We are very proud of our competition that began in 2002 It has now expanded to a four-day annual event that attracts 35 different dance clubs, over 950 dancers, and close to 5000 people to our fine city,” he said. “Every year dancers as young as three years of age to the highly experienced and talented 55 years young travel from Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, plus our neighbouring dance club from Yorkton, the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. Everyone brings their best to the Kalyna Ukrainian Dance Festival …
“We see as many as 80 instructors supporting our children and educating them in the fine art, and what event would not be a total success without the 125 volunteers we so desperately need.”
Kluk said Kalyna also works to give back to the community.
“That is why we are proud to support the arts program in Yorkton by donating over $7,200 to the Anne Portnuff revitalization program this past summer,” he said.
