Kaydence Pellerin is thrilled to be back on stage doing what she loves most. (Submitted/Tony Pellerin)

By Nigel Maxwell

Taking pride in one's culture

‘It felt like I was kinda dancing for them’: Prince Albert teen sends support to Ukraine

Mar 29, 2022 | 2:00 PM

A Grade 12 student at Carlton Comprehensive High School said her thoughts were with the people of Ukraine when she was on stage dancing in Lloydminster last weekend

Kaydence Pellerin, 17, is a member of the Rushnychok Club that competed at the Ukranian Dancing on the Border Festival.

“It’s terrible what’s going on [in Ukraine] and it’s really nice to be able to showcase Ukranian culture. It felt like I was kinda dancing for them,” she said.

This year represents Pellerin’s 13th year dancing, and first time back on stage in almost three years due to the pandemic restrictions.

Last year she made the decision to move to a Saskatoon club, which could offer the competitive level of dance instruction she could not get in Prince Albert. Once a week her supportive family travels to Saskatoon for class.

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Pellerin’s hard work paid off and she would end up returning from Lloydminster with a total of nine gold medals — won from a combination of group dances, solos, and duets. When asked what she prefers, she replied she loves them all equally.

“Solo lets me showcase my own individual abilities, where a group dance you are working as a team,” she said.

Adam Breckner is Pellerin’s instructor in Saskatoon and also taught her when she was in Prince Albert.

“It’s just really nice to see her grow as a dancer and a performer and push herself further each and every year,” he said.

The Rushnychok club at the Vic Juba Community Theatre. (Submitted/Tony Pellerin)

Breckner also commented on the feelings of the dancers and coaches attending a festival, at a time when Ukraine is being attacked and devastated by Russian forces. He explained the festival reinforces the province’s pride in Ukraine.

“Obviously they cannot perhaps do that over there right now so it’s just something that we are fortunate to be able to go out there and show our Ukranian/Canadian pride and keep up the traditions while we can. It goes to show you that you might not be able to all the time,” he said.

Going forward the club has another dance competition in Saskatoon at the end of April and then will travel to St. Albert in May.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell