Ukrainian dancing a family affair

According to Duffield the event has sold out for several years, even though the Ukrainian community in Prince Albert is relatively small with 35 families. “It’s a word of mouth situation. People come, they have a great time, and they pretty much start lining up to buy tickets for next year.”

Debbie Lucyshyn was a dancer growing up, and now her kids are also dancers. Lucyshyn said it’s tradition, and the dances are passed down from generation to generation.

“In the old days people used to get together in the field at the end of the harvest and help out, so we’re trying to keep that tradition going and have fun.”

Not all dancers became involved because of their parents.

Stephaan Salahub, who’s been dancing for three years, was persuaded to join by his best friend. “He said ‘come out and try it’ and it’s been a blast. I just kinda fell in love with it.

“It’s a fun activity, it keeps you active, and there’s a lot of really great people involved.”

He admitted that he was terrified the first time he took the stage, but quickly got over his fear and had a great time.

Some traditional dances are repeated year after year, but generally new dances are shown off during the festival.

This year there is the Carpathian Suite, a dance that represents three different regions of Ukraine.

Duffield said the dancing is a beautiful part of Ukrainian history, and that they dance as a tribute to their grandparents and elders.

“Everything they went through was not necessarily for them,” she said. “It was for their children and their grandchildren. They were doing it for us. We’re reaping the benefits and celebrating the work they put in.”

The festival is held in the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. Doors open at 5 p.m.

ssterritt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit

by Spencer Sterritt

Ukrainian dancing a family affair

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