Ukrainian dance continue tradition of spreading hope

STURGIS — The Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Club continued the tradition of showcasing Ukrainian culture through its 45th anniversary spring concert held in Sturgis on May 11. Each mother who entered was presented with a carnation by the younger club members.

The national anthems for both Canada and Ukraine were played, followed by the welcome dance known as the Pryvit, performed by all club members.

Group 2 dancers performed a Poltava and Hutzel dance with members Hailey Seghers, Hudson Babiarz, Hazely Preston, Connor Prestie, Everleigh Anaka, Nicholas Chalupiak, Brinley Robinson and Will Prestie.

Next to take the stage were Group 4 dancers Eva Romanchuk, Lily Beatty, Maycee Johnson and Lindy Romanchuk, who performed a Hutzul. They also performed a Volyn dance and a Polissia.

Josie Moekerk and Sophia Storoschuk performed a duet Transcarpathian dance.

Group 1 dancers Brynn Barsby, Hartley Hurlburt, Joey Prestie, Ariya Walker, Ava Nelson and Olivia Babiarz performed two Poltava dances.

Brandi Arneson, Jerilyn Radawetz and Lindsay Brodziak performed a Poltava trio adult dance.

Lindy Romanchuk danced a Sailor solo.

Group 3 performed two dances, a Hutzul and a Poltava. The dancers were Avery Storoschuk, Sophia Storoschuk, Josie Moekerk, Blake Beatty, Oliver Anaka, Karlie MacDonald, Ben Tremblay-Bondu and Emily Belesky.

Leah Prestie and her children, Will, Connor and Joey, danced a family Poltava.

Adult dancers performed a Poltava, Hutzul and a Podillia dance. Dancers were Leah Prestie, Brandi Arneson, Jordan Musey, Jerilyn Radawetz, Amanda Kowalchuk, Amber MacDonald, Kylee Meroniuk, Loranda Shuba, Sandra Johnson, Tecia Fincary and Tara Romanchuk.

Sandra Johnson and Amber MacDonald danced a Poltava duet.

Eva Romanchuk performed a lyrical solo dance.

Jack and Greta Craig from the Canora Veselka Dance Club were guest dancers.

Eva Romanchuk received a 10-year plaque and a Leadership Award, Will Prestie received the Most Improved Award, Hailey Seghers and Josie Moekerk received the Kindness Award, and Lindy Romanchuk received a Spirit of Dance Award.