4. 4
BITAEMO! WELCOME!
BCUCFS Message
XРИСТОС ВОСKРЕС
Welcome to the 20th Annual BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival.
We are excited to celebrate our 20th year with each of you. A special thank you to the mem-
bers of our Executive who have donated so much of their time, their talent and their man-hours
throughout the year to prepare once again for this day. It has truly been an expression of the
passion in their hearts of “Keeping Ukrainian Culture Alive”
We thank those who have given of their time to volunteer for today. Please pass on your
thanks to those in the red volunteer shirts!
Welcome:
To the dancers who have practiced in anticipation of competing today. You bring energy,
colour, and excitement to the day
To the vendors who present so many other aspects of the Ukrainian culture
To our entertainers who add to the atmosphere
To the Acting Mayor Pam Alexis and the RCMP for joining us for the Opening Ceremo-
nies
To you, the audience, we hope you enjoy the show!
Executive
President: Nathan Nychyporuk
Vice Presidents: Jason Burkin, Wally Nychyporuk
Secretary: Halyna Nychyporuk
Treasurer: Jonathan Kremko
Festival Coordinators:
Gladys Andreas
Amelia Chucko
Yvonne Krupa
Leda Kwichak
Glenna Nychyporuk
Holly Russell
Megan Trafananko
Gordon Yakimow
5. 5
Growing up in a Ukrainian farming community in Alberta,
Gladys had a passion for dancing from a very young age. Alt-
hough no opportunity was available for Ukrainian dancing she
learned old time dancing with her parents while listening to Don
Messer on the radio Saturday nights.
In 1953 at Elk Island National Park, Gladys choreographed and
performed the “Hopak” with three friends. As she did not have a
Ukrainian costume she stitched Remembrance Day poppies to
a white shirt. The loud applause they received will forever be a
cherished memory as this was the only time in her life that she
performed a Ukrainian dance on stage at a Ukrainian Day cele-
bration.
In the early 1970’s Albert and Gladys’ children Eric, Holly and
Chris performed Ukrainian dancing under the tutelage of Ches-
ter Kuc, father of Ukrainian dance in Alberta.
Gladys and Albert were impressed with the Ukrainian Festival
in Dauphin, Manitoba featuring Ukrainian culture. Soon after, a
festival closer to home in Vegreville, the Pysanka Festival, so-
lidified her keen interest in Ukrainian culture—especially
Ukrainian dancing. The seed was planted… The interest and
love of culture has carried on to the third generation as Gladys’
grandchildren continue to write Pysanky even to this day and
have participated both competing and volunteering in the BC
Ukrainian Cultural Festival. She is very proud of her linage and
hopes they continue their keen interest in her vision of “Keeping
Ukrainian Culture Alive”.
They moved to the coast in 1987 continuing to attend the annual Festival in Vegreville. On the way home from the
Vegreville Pysanka Festival in 1995, she posed a question to her husband and said, “Albert, why does British Co-
lumbia not have a Ukrainian Festival like Dauphin or Vegreville”?
Gladys and Albert could not imagine how many hearts would be touched by their vision. Each year she is filled with
great joy, and tears still come to her eyes as she enjoys the smiles of those 5 to 25 year olds holding their medals,
as well as the happiness on the faces of the parents and grandparents. This is truly heartwarming for her.
Gladys would like to thank each and every volunteer, the BCUCFS executives, dancers & families, business’s who
donate to the event, and everyone who has continued to support the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival and most im-
portantly, her family’s support for the last twenty years.
Her devotion to “Keeping Ukrainian Culture Alive” goes well beyond the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival. She also
volunteers for numerous other Ukrainian organizations that have honoured her with local and national awards. Cur-
rently she is coordinating a project to showcase “125 Years of Ukrainians in Canada”. This exhibit will be on display
at the Surrey Museum from February to June 2016.
Chris Andreas:
Chris started Ukrainian dancing when he was 4½ years old and continued dancing for about 7
years. In Grade 10 he took Ukrainian language classes as it was offered for the first time in Ed-
monton’s public school system. He has been a volunteer at the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival for
several years.
Chris’ favourite thing about his Ukrainian heritage would definitely be the enjoyment of a BIG
plate of perogies with sour cream and being able to celebrate Christmas twice each year—
especially as Christopher (Chris) was born Christmas Day. He is honoured to accompany his
mother on this memorable day. Both he and Gladys remember Albert and all his contributions to
the inception of this Festival as well as the work has occurred as it evolved to this day.
Hospodar and Hospodynia
Gladys Andreas and son Chris Andreas
6. 6
Adjudicator
Introducing Doug Rachinski
Douglas Rachinski
Douglas Rachinski began his Ukrainian dance train-
ing at the age of 10, and joined the Ukrainian
Shumka Dancers in 1985. In the ‘Whirlwind’, Mr.
Rachinski danced under the guidance of Artistic Di-
rector John Pichlyk along with others, including Vic-
tor Litvinov (Kiev Ballet), Brian Webb (Brian Webb
Dance Company), Hanne Livingstone (Edmonton
Festival Ballet), and Anya Smeets (Bolshoi Ballet).
Mr. Rachinski’s Shumka career is highlighted by 3
Canadian tours (1987, 1991 & 1995), Pacific North-
west tour (1996) and an historic tour of Ukraine and
Moscow in 1990. Doug served in the Company’s
debut position of Artistic Coordinator (1993 - 94),
and performed leading roles in 1991 (Traveling
Chumaky), 1995-96 (Night of Perun), and 2001
(Shumka’s Cinderella.)
In addition to instructional work in local dance
troupes, including Edmonton’s Dunai Dance En-
semble (Artistic Director, 1989 - 92), Mr. Rachinski
directed the Shumka School of Dance (1992 – 95)
and opened Dance Unlimited, a multi-disciplinary dance school in 1995. He spent subse-
quent years also authoring Syllabus for Ukrainian Dance, a Ukrainian character and ballet
training program for students aged 6 years & over and continues to conduct instructor work-
shops and student examinations in this program.
Mr. Rachinski’s dance studies include: Ukrainian/character (Pavlo Virsky State Dance En-
semble studio, Glen Spey, New York and other workshops); ballet (Dance Alberta, Edmonton
School of Ballet, Ballet North Summer School); and modern (Grant MacEwan Community
College.) Mr. Rachinski’s dancer credits also include the 1999 and 2000 Eastern Canadian &
American tours of “The Nutcracker” (a collaboration of Kiev Ballet and Ukrainian Shumka
Dancers), the Brian Webb Dance Company 2000 presentation of “Sacred Time”, the 2008
International Leonard Cohen Festival and Cohen Nights 2009. Mr. Rachinski has instructed
students toward numerous awards including overalls in 5678 Showtime Regional & National
events, Dance Power Edmonton, as well as the Cheremosh, Vermillion, Lloydminster &
Veeteretz Ukrainian Dance Festivals. Douglas is also a recipient of an Alberta Foundation
for the Arts commissioning grant for choreography (2002) and past AFA jury member (2009).
Douglas holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Distinction) in Recreation Administration
(University of Alberta, 1988) and lives with his wife Roxanne and two children, Rhett and Ma-
rina in Edmonton.
7. 7
Scholarship Winners
This year BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival Society is pleased to offer $1,000 in scholarships.
The purpose of the scholarship program is:
To promote our mandate of “Keeping Ukrainian Culture Alive”
To foster participation and engagement in activities which further Ukrainian culture
To provide financial assistance to experience Ukrainian culture
The Scholarship Committee reviewed the applicants and are pleased to announce that three
people have been awarded scholarship monies.
Congratulations to the recipients: Meara Holubowich, Sylvie Ellis and Kennedy Ellis.
Donors to the Scholarship Fund
BC Ukrainian Cultural Society—$1,000.00
Thank you to the following:
Bill & Amelia Chucko $ 75.00 Norm & Mary Hildrum $ 25.00
Chris & Erin Schwarz $ 75.00 Olga Waverick $ 25.00
Helen & Peter Ward $ 75.00 Olga Frostad $ 20.00
Roy & Helen Aldham $ 50.00 Evan Sanyshyn &
James Atebe $ 50.00 Rosemarie Patterson $ 20.00
Keith & Shirley Kasper $ 50.00 Nadia Schula $ 20.00
Leda Kwichuk $ 50.00 Andrew Wepruk &
Sam & Marian McDowell $ 50.00 Jeannie $ 20.00
Wally & Glenna Nychyporuk $ 50.00 Anonymous $ 20.00
Lilia Johnson $ 40.00 Anonymous $ 20.00
Myron & Rhonda Kremko $ 40.00 Eugene Yemchuk $ 15.00
Sophie Deley $ 30.00 Anonymous $ 5.00
Alexandra Gardener $ 25.00 Gladys Andreas $ 150.00
8. 8
Welcome to our Musical Guests
Ukrainian Prairie Band
The Ukrainian Prairie Band is indeed honoured to entertain at the annual B C Ukraini-
an Cultural Festival.
They continue to concentrate on the preservation of their heritage via traditional
Ukrainian music. The band entertains at the monthly dances held at the OAP Hall in
Aldergrove. They enjoy the opportunity to play at Senior Residences in the area as
well entertaining at house concerts. This summer they will be participating at the 50th
Anniversary of “Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival” in Dauphin Manitoba.
They are pleased and honoured to be a part of this 20th
Annual
outstanding cultural event.
9. 9
Welcome to our Musical Guests
Mike Sanyshyn
Mike Sanyshyn is one of Canada's
finest fiddlers. He is in demand as a
session and touring musician, instruc-
tor and Recording Artist. A master of
many fiddle styles specializing in Ca-
nadian Oldtime, Country, Celtic, Blue-
grass, Metis, Swing and European.
Mike has been awarded the CCMA
and BCCMA Fiddler of the Year, 4
times BC Fiddle Champion and
placed in the top 3 at the prestigious
Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling
Championships.
Mike is a 3rd generation fiddler. He
began playing fiddle at the age of 8
years old and with 30 years’ experi-
ence he has performed throughout
Canada, United States and Japan.
There are 3 instrumental CD's to his
credit:
Back To Tradition
Fiddleville
Christmas Swing
A Book of Original Fiddle Music was published by his own company Shyndig Music.
Mike is a member of Deric Ruttan's touring band performing live on the Canadian Country
Music Awards and at numerous notable festivals across this country.
Mike will be joined with guitarist extraordinaire Craig McGregor. Craig is a talented musician,
performer, composer and guitar instructor from Vancouver, BC.
www.mikesanyshyn.com
10. 10
Vendor and Display Tables
BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival Society: Surrey, BC
T-shirts, poppyseed rolls, kobassa
Camp St. Volodymyr: Vancouver, BC
Ukrainian Catholic Summer Camp
Josie's Joys: Victoria, BC
Ukrainian cross stitch, dolls, egg supplies and instructions, other Ukrainian souvenirs
Kelowna Kozak: Kelowna, BC
Ukrainian embroidered t-shirts and jackets
Kvitka Ukrainian School of Dance: Surrey, BC
Sell tickets to Kvitka 25th Anniversary Gala event
L-Eggant Creations: Chilliwack, BC
Decorated eggs for all occasions—from baby’s birth egg to anniversary eggs, Christ-
mas to Easter, traditional pysanky to drop-pull to scratch eggs, beaded and jeweled—
quail, chicken, duck, goose or emu egg.
Lyn Tretiak: Coquitlam, BC
Original artwork prints, books, cards, calendars of Ukrainian theme
Marusia Designs: Richmond, BC
Hand decorated Ukrainian dancer sugar cookies “Hutzul, Poltava and Babas”
Solaway Travel Ltd: Burnaby, BC
Travel information and gift items from Ukraine
Ukrainian Club of Abbotsford: Abbotsford, BC
Cookbooks, ceramics, embroidery, Pysanky supplies, aprons, ceramics
Ukrainian Folk Arts: Surrey, BC
Easter eggs, books, dyes
Wheat Weaving Wonders: Edmonton, Alberta
Wheat straw weavings of wreaths, hearts, favours and crosses
Instruction on simple weaves
Zaruba Beads, Happy Sheep: New Westminster, BC
Floral hats, unique beadwork, embroidered fashions, accessories
12. 12
Competition Trophies
Andreas Founders Trophy
Presented to the group with the highest mark in the Hopak (national dance of Ukraine) category.
BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival Society Trophy
Presented to the group with the highest mark for a dance in the Pryvit (Welcome dance) category.
Boris & Savelia Stasiuk Family Trophy
Presented to the group with the highest mark for a dance from the Volyn Region, excluding Hopak and Pryvit.
Dr. Josef Oleskow Trophy
Presented to the group with the highest mark in an Adult category.
Fraser Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society Trophy
Presented to the Mixed Group, ages 14 and under, with the highest mark.
Gordon Yakimow Trophy
Presented to the group with five or more performers, having an average age ten years or under, which scores
the highest mark irrespective of the region of the dance.
Harry & Annie Michaluk Memorial Trophy
Presented to the Mixed Group with the highest mark for a dance from the Hutsul Region.
Isidore & Anne Goresky Memorial Trophy
Presented to a group with the highest mark in a dance from the Transcarpathian Region.
Lark Consultants International Trophy
Presented for the highest mark in the Boys Group, ages 11 and up.
Peter Arychuk Memorial Trophy
Presented to the group with the highest mark for a dance from the Bukovenian Region, excluding Hopak and
Pryvit.
Sam & Martha Lebedovich Trophy
Presented to the group with the highest mark for a dance from the Poltava Region, excluding Hopak and Pryvit.
Sergiy Minenok Memorial Trophy
Presented for the highest mark for a dance from the Polissian Region.
Tropak Ukrainian Dance Theatre Trophy
Presented for the highest mark for a Character Dance.
Ukrainian Club of Abbotsford Association Trophy
Presented to the highest mark in a Girls Group, ages 10 and under.
Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association (TYC), Surrey Branch Trophy
Presented for the highest mark in Boys Group, ages 10 and under.
Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada, Ohla Kobylianska, Surrey Branch Trophy
Presented for the highest mark in Girls Group for a dance from the Poltava Region.
18. 18
Thank you to our Sponsors:
BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival Society
Star 98.3
Country 107.1
Hampton Inn by Hilton - Chilliwack
19. 19
2015 Competitors
Welcome to the instructors, dancers and their families from across the Province and from
Seattle, Washington to the 20th Annual BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival.
Association of United Ukrainian Canadians (AUUC) Vancouver, BC
For 85 years, the Vancouver Association of United Ukrainian Canadians has been an integral part of its
community. Serving the whole of the Lower Mainland, its diversity and spirit flourish even as it maintains
second, third and fourth generation members of the AUUC. The School of Dance and the Dovbush
Dancers benefit from the cultural investments of our national organization, with conferences and work-
shops designed to stimulate the creativity and planning necessary for the preservation and growth of
Ukrainian culture.
The School and Dovbush are both very active in the Lower Mainland, performing at events that reflect
the dynamic and modern multicultural experience of Vancouver. The AUUC is also host to many superb
artistic endeavours featuring their own dancers as well as the Barvinok Choir and the Vancouver Folk
Orchestra as well as high-profile and talented guest artists.
The AUUC School of Dance provides classical and character ballet training for children 3-16 years who
can then advance to the Dovbush Dancers. The instructors have extensive backgrounds in Ukrainian
dance, ballet and modern dance, some having studied in Ukraine and others having been trained by
acclaimed Ukrainian dance artists now residing in Canada. The precise and creative instruction is root-
ed in a deep respect for our heritage and the authentic regional styles of Ukraine. Students acquire ex-
cellent dance technique as well as a thorough appreciation of the culture and history. The vibrant artistic
community of the AUUC provides the framework for the continued development of its members, both
young and old.
Instructors:
Sophia Adehlph
Gina Alpen
Katherine Alpen
Alexandra Beck
Tatyana Beck
Nicole Bizovie
Joseph Bizovie
Kayla Cherkas
Gina Fenrick
Cameron Fung
Meghan Fung
Nathan Fung
Kailas Gawryluk
Jeff Gonek
Trevor Haramincic
Katia Hnatiuk
Lizzie Hnatiuk
Paulina Hnatiuk
Jake Hobbis
Joey Hobbis
Meara Holubowich
Montana Hunter
Lisa Jatskevich
Danya Karras
Taralyn Karras
Louise Keeling
Dylan Lawry
Jack Lawry
Sabrina Levchuk
Kiera Lukomskyj
Cohen Parasiuk
Lily Parasiuk
Caitlynn Schell
Anya Sinal
Egor Terekhine
Chloe Vincent
Desiree Vincent
Marlaina Vincent
Dayton Whale
Gina Alpen
Danya Karras
Taralyn Karras
Debbie Karras
20. 20
Barvinok Dance Ensemble Seattle, Washington
Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Barvinok formed in 2004 under the auspices of
the Ukrainian Association of Washington State.
Our mission is to teach authentic Ukrainian folk dances to youth for the pur-
pose of maintaining a dynamic performance ensemble and to preserve and
promote this rich artistic heritage.
Our initial performance boasted 8 talented young dancers. Last year we cele-
brated our 10 years anniversary with about 50 accomplished young dancers led by talented
and dedicated instructors. Their love of this national art, their talent with passionate expertise
and dedication for Ukrainian dance authenticity informs and inspires the students to excel with
their performances, we know you will enjoy.
Instructors: Brad Jacula
Yulia Dudyshyn
Sofia Drogomiretskiy
Leeza Shadyrya
Oleksiy Buchynskyy
Pavlo Buchynskyy
Yuriy Burtak
Lyudmula Buriy
Olha Buriy
Volodymyr Buriy
Svyatoslav Derevyanyy
Nataliya Datskiv
Vadym Drozdenko
Vladimir Drozdenko
Olga Dudyshyn
Victoriya Dudyshyn
Adrian Fita
Veronika Fita
Solomea Khtey
Zhanna Knodratyuk
Mark Kovalenko
Sofia Kovalenko
Grygoriy Lozynskyy
Vladimir Makarenko
George Matusevych
Maya Matusevych
Sophia Martynovych
Michael Nezhivoy
Viktoria Paslavska
Ostap Pylypenko
Taras Pylypenko
Anna Rzhiskaya
Olesya Rzhisky
Yana Rzhiskaya
Mykola Soroka
Diana Storozh
Mariia Suslykova
Anna Svyatenka
Aleksandr Svyatenkiy
Mathew Telyatinskiy
Olena Tkach
Oksana Tymkiv
Ivan Voloshchuk
Mykhaylo Zelenyak
Nataliya Zhurakovska
21. 21
Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers of the Comox Valley Comox Valley, BC
This family-oriented dance group began over 30 years ago with the formation of the Comox
Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society. From a small beginning of just a few dancers, the group this
year has 36 dancers. Classes are offered to children as young as 4 years of age through to
young adults.
We are an inclusionary group, welcoming dancers of all abilities and backgrounds. Alt-
hough many of our dancers are of Ukrainian heritage, many more are not. What they all share
is the love of the music, the costumes, and the energy of Ukrainian dance. The group fosters
a real sense of family and community for each dancer.
Every dancer, no matter the age, loves the opportunity to perform throughout the year at
local community events, private functions and various festivals around the Comox Valley. The
dancers perform at several events hosted by the Cultural Society such as the always-popular
Perogy Night and Malanka.
Dolyna Dancers are thrilled to again be a part of this year's Festival. Thank you to all of
the volunteers that continue to bring this Festival to the community.
Instructors: Janette Martin-Lutzer
Carrie Toal
Haley Toal
Isaiah Anderton Hooker
Joshua Anderton Hooker
Josiah Anderton Hooker
Rebekah Anderton Hooker
Gillian Crowe
Avery Daugherty
Desmond deBellefeuille
Jenni deBellefeuille
Merren deBellefeuille
Elise Forth
Mclaren Forth
Mercedes Forth
Cole Gower
Yuri Husaimen
Cohen Husaimen
Alden Ingram
Clara Ingram
Arielle Joye
Zoe Klassen-Somerset
Kezia Lagarde
Sadie Lucas
Breanna Lutzer
August McClellan
Holden McClellan
Sawyer McClellan
Cooper Ostashek
Meg Papentus
Nicholas Papentus
Stella Payne
Cate Shaver
Alex Skye
Avery Smith
Mya Smith
Danielle Stevens
Liam Stuart
Haley Toal
22. 22
Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers Kelowna, BC
The Dolyna Ukrainian Cultural Society was formed in 2009 to promote Ukrainian culture in
Kelowna and area. The activities of the society have grown to include four classes of Dolyna
dancers ranging in age from 4 to adult, 2 Ukrainian culture classes, an annual Zabava and
Malanka, and a leader in Ukrainian affairs in our region. The society maintains a Facebook
page and website www.dolynadancers.com where we share the activities of our society and
give instruction on how to teach Ukrainian crafts, cuisine and culture.
Part of our mandate is to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In the past we have supported a
number of Ukrainian children’s charities. This year we have sent funds to “Give Ukraine a
Hand”, a volunteer group that supplies prosthetic limbs to Ukraine’s soldiers.
Our dance program is led by Ashley Radyk with assistance of Sylvie Ellis and Jaelynn Gra-
ham. This year Dolyna held dance workshops with Tamara Pitts and Nathan Fitch. Dolyna
will have its year-end concert at the Rotary Theatre for the Arts, Kelowna on Mother’s Day.
Instructors: Ashley Radyk
Student Instructors: Sylvie Ellis
Jaelynn Graham
Kimberly Billinton
Katrina Billinton
Madison Caron
Shelby Caron
Jasmine deGreeff
Jenna Dudych
Katrina Dudych
Sylvie Ellis
Kennedy Ellis
Ally Gallant
Danielle Gallant
Jaelynn Graham
Abigail Harnett
Saffron Harnett
Capri Hogaboam
Raynna Jones
Nolan Lozinski
Skylar Lozinski
Annika Nilson
Kassandra Zukowski
Mykayla Zukowski
23. 23
Druzhba Ukrainian Dancers Mission, BC
Druzhba Ukrainian Dancers began in February of 2007. With the ongoing welcome and con-
tinued generosity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Hall, Druzhba has had the opportunity to experi-
ence, appreciate, and share the joy and heritage of Ukrainian dance.
Color, Culture, Choreography, Cuisine, and Collaboration…. The festival is all that and more.
Participating in the annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival is definitely a highlight of Ukrainian danc-
ing. Many thanks to all who contribute to the celebration.
Congratulation on 20 years!
Instructor: Coral-Anne Douglas
Adeline Bojczuk
Nadaia Bojczuk
Crystal Douglas
Isabella Hurcum
James Hurcum
Patrick Hurcum
Oksana-Maria Veters
Richelle Veters
William Veters
Charlotte Wilkins
Ksenia Wozniak
24. 24
Kvitka Ukrainian School of Dance (Kvitka Dancers) Surrey, BC
Kvitka Ukrainian School of Dance, based in Surrey, is sponsored by
the Ukrainian Women's Association, Ol'ha Kobylansha Branch. Stu-
dents from 3 to young adult enjoy an encouraging environment to
further the development of various regions of Ukrainian dance.
Kvitka is celebrating 25 years of dance this May and is hosting a gala event to honour this
milestone on May 23rd at Coyote Creek Golf Course. Tickets and information are available on
our website, www.kvitkadancers.com.
Kvitka looks forward to participating in this festival every year and we are excited to celebrate
this 20th Anniversary. Thank you for all your hard work and congratulations!
Instructors: Tamara Pitts
Nadia Toews
Larissa Trafananko
Assistant: Natalia Lupynis
Daniel Barabakh
Stefania Barabakh
Danica Berard
Miranda Berard
Kayt Bontron
Anastasia Bogush
Svyatoslav Chornenkyi
Clarissa Chupik
Olivia Chupik
Marcus Chupik
Zachary Chupik
Alex Dyatchenko
Aurora Graham
Alexy Hanson
Elizabeth Ivanov
Roxolana Karpinski
Hannah Klaponski
Jacob Klaponski
Sarah Klaponski
Andriy Komarynsky
Katherine Kostur
Sofiya Kostur
Orest Kovalevskyy
Kaitlyn Kruk
Trina Lamoureux
Christine Loutsik
Natalia Lupynis
Emelia Lupynis
Vlada Mazur
Matthew Morin
Nathan Morin
Glory Munroe
Grace Munroe
Jayden Munroe
Sofiya Nevedyuk
Katia Omelchenko
Stacie Onyshchenko
Aleena Poulson
Anna Purtova
Gabriel Rainville
Kyara Rainville
Thomas Rak
Julia Roberts
Masha Sandquist
Evelyn Sorochuk
Sarah Sorochuk
Andrew Syvenkyy
Ivana Tokar
Larissa Trafananko
Michael Vickerstaff
Melanie Vishloff
Amanda Weins
Samantha Wepruk
Evelyn Wray
Hazel Wray
Mary Wray
Peter Wray
Sofiya Zastavetska
Nicole Zhylina
25. 25
Pokotillo Ukrainian Dancers Kamloops, BC
The name of our dance group, "Pokotillo", means Tumbleweed, and it represents both the
quick, fast steps of Ukrainian dance, and our hometown of Kamloops, where the plant is com-
monly seen.
The group dances under the umbrella of the City of Kamloops Parks and Recreation program
and has dancers ranging from ages 6 to adult.
Pokotillo is excited to be performing their first Bukovinian dance, and would like to say a huge
THANK YOU to ANDREA MALYSH of SADOK Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Vernon for
teaching us our first Bukovinian Dance!
Pokotillo loves coming to the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival and extends a great big DKYAY-
OU to all the people who work so hard to put this event on. You guys ROCK!
Instructors: Jeanne Olineck
Michelina Tychee
Tropak Ukrainian Dance Theatre Richmond, BC
Tropak Ukrainian Dance Theatre was born with a dream to take traditional Ukrainian dance in
British Columbia to a higher artistic level. Formed in 1994, Tropak is a vibrant, exciting per-
forming ensemble that brings together dancers dedicated to the purpose of cultivating Ukrain-
ian dance as a Canadian art form.
Under the direction of Tamara Pitts, dancers study traditional and contemporary folk dance,
as well as classical ballet technique. From small private functions, to large public stages, Tro-
pak continues to win rave reviews for its dynamic performance style. Currently recruiting
dancers ages 16+ . Email contact@tropak.ca for more details.
Tropak is the resident dance company of the Ivan Franko Community Society, based in Rich-
mond, B.C.
Instructor: Tamara Pitts
Stephania Johnson Bouchard
Nancy Hasiuk
Larissa Trafananko
Andrew Veters
Kyla Christiansen
Elise Doucet
Annie Druskee
Tristan Giles
Stephanie Harcott
Tania Haydm
Jade Matthews
Liveea Olineck
Hailee Rezunyk
Shannon Tychee
26. 26
Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association Victoria, BC
Veselka school of dance is a nonprofit, family oriented organization established to inspire crea-
tivity, develop individual potential, promote cultural diversity and foster an appreciation for the
performing arts.
Under the Artistic Direction of Lisa Hall, Veselka offers classes in Ukrainian and character
dance and ballet.
Veselka is a nationally recognized, award winning dance school that offers their students the
opportunity to perform locally and nationally.
Artistic Director: Lisa Hall
Instructors: Sydney Edmondson
Nathan Kuehne
Kiana Anguish-Scott
Chloe Campbell
Shea Carefoot
Emma Cook
Tristan Crocker
Stuart Dobyns
Larissa Edmondson
Sydney Edmondson
LilianaFisher
Roman Gilbey
William Gleave-Riemann
Grace Heaman
Nadya Hunchak
Jayla Jeske
Krystina Kearney
Sofiya Kearney
Saleena Keram
Ethan Kruz
Nathan Kuehne
Mira Kuroyedov
Chloe Leclair
Elena Maris
Jocelyn Mihalynuk
Shaeleen Mihalynuk
Alina Oberemska
Sophia Peluso
Emilia Schwarz
Roxalana Sembaliuk
Stefan Shandro
Sarah Swan
Sophia Tsepenyuk
Jasper Vickson
Nikolo Vickson
Alexandra Wei
Olivia Wei
We would like to thank the following:
The many local newspapers and publications that promoted our festival,
along with the radio and television media.
The Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and Mission Arts Councils
for their continued support.
The RCMP for participating in our opening ceremonies.
Hampton Inn, Chilliwack for printing our flyers and posters.
Nadia Toews for designing our flyer.
Donation of $100 from Quay Law Centre
27. 27
Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers Prince George, BC
Yalenka Ukrainian Cultural/Dance club has been in Prince George for over 30 years. We offer
dance and language classes for all ages; from kindergarten to adults.
The cultural side of Yalenka helps people learn about the Ukrainian customs, arts, crafts, peo-
ple and history. Our large Humanitarian Aid program supplies hospitals, orphanages and fami-
lies throughout Ukraine with much needed clothing and medical supplies.
Our dancers perform at various local events around town and also participated in dance com-
petitions in both BC and Alberta. A few highlights of our dance year consist of Festival of
Trees, Relay for Life, Malanka Celebration in January and our annual Vesna (Spring) Concert
in May/June.
Yalenka continues to promote Ukrainian culture, tradition and dance to all of Prince George
and area, for both Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians alike.
Instructor: Darcia Pryce
Laura Allgrove
Tracy Bergmann
Leanne Bodenham
Kael Buryn
Shana Bowden
Joanne DiGiuseppe
Karl Domes
Lara Gauk
Brenna Jacobson
Debra McConnell
Hailey McConnell
Gavin McConnell
Kiersten Mikkelsen
Sarah Murray
Tonianne Mynen
Ellie Prendergast
Darcia Pryce
Melanie Reed
Tina Sidorov
Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada
Provincial Executive
To preserve, develop, and nurture
the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage and Traditions
Congratulation on the occasion of your
20th
Annual BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival
28. 28
Yevshan Ukrainian Dancers Abbotsford, BC
The Yevshan Ukrainian Dancers are sponsored by the Ukrainian Club of Abbotsford Associa-
tion (formerly Fraser Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society) and are under the Instruction/Artistic
Direction of Lindsey Reimer, Brad Nastiuk, and Kaitlyn Kruk.
The dancers, for the 2014-2015 season, range in age from 3-18 years of age. As always, we
are excited for the festival season and encourage your performance requests and have ex-
panded our calendar to accommodate. We also welcome any cultural activity invitations so
that we can proudly participate. As a group, we would love to encourage other dance groups
to get in touch with us so we can share in these activities and learn with one another! Our
classes focus on teaching ballet basics and the fundamentals of Ukrainian dance at the earli-
est of ages and strive to challenge our older dancers by adding regional repertoire, Ukrainian
dance terminology, and character work throughout our dance year. We are always accepting
new dancers and start our dancers as young as three years old with classes in creative move-
ment while learning about stage performance through a variety of acting activities.
Lindsey, who has been instructing our dancers for the last six years, has brought forth her love
of sharing the Ukrainian culture with others and teaching it's many dance regions to her charg-
es.
A big thank-you to “Mr. Brad” for coming on board for the last three years as our dedicated
male instructor for our boys’ “Tips, Tricks & Technique” class. In order to help the boys become
the proud Cossacks they aspire to be, we encourage and support their participation in tumbling
and gymnastics classes. With these improvements to our class structure we hope to attract
and register more boys in the coming years!
Kaitlyn Kruk is our newest dance instructor this year. She comes to us with a wealth of experi-
ence and has a love for creating choreography. We are greatful to have her come on board.
We are excited to have the opportunity to share our culture and hope to encourage others to
explore their own! Thank-you to all of the Parents, Baba’s & Gido’s, Volunteers, Executive and
Members that dedicate their time to our club; we always welcome anyone of any age to partici-
pate be it through dance or visiting at our monthly society meetings.
Find us on the web: www.ukrainianclubofabbotsford.ca, the Farmer’s Market in Abbotsford, on
Facebook - Ukrainian Club of Abbotsford, or email us at yevshandancers@gmail.com .
Instructors: Lindsey Reimer
Brad Nastiuk
Kaitlyn Kryuk
Isabella Brodie
Elayna Dyck
Seth Dyck
Lochlan Freiderick-Marsh
Kiera Garneau
Marya Garneau
Ken Heschuk
Andew Huber
Danielle Huber
Matthew Huber
Nathan Huber
Kayleigh Leiding
Mitchell Leiding
Suzanne Leiding
Victoria Leiding
Alexandra O'Neill
Judah O'Neill
Travis O'Neill
Brooke Pankiw
Jade Pankiw
Raine Pankiw
Aleena Poulsen
Colleen Poulsen
Kyra Poulsen
Cayla Unger
Lahela Unger
Sammy Unger
Melanie Vishloff
29. 29
Zirka Ukrainian Dancers of the Okanagan Valley have been entertaining audiences for over 30
years. Under the directorship of Amie Roussel, Zirka strives to provide a high level of dance in
a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.
In our home town of Vernon, Zirka is dedicated to upholding the Ukrainian culture and sharing
it with our community through dance, tradition, education, and family fun.
Our dancers are so happy to be back on the BCUFC stage here in Mission, BC for another
wonderful year! Thank you to all of the volunteers and organizers for all the handwork and
preparation that they put in every year!
Instructor: Amie Roussel
Taisa Andrushko
Cameron Fraser-Monroe
Jonathan Fraser-Monroe
Paul Harker
Shaylynn Harker
Polina Ignatyeva
Jace Kisilevich
Jordyn Kisilevich
Joelle Kohtala
Savannah Mason
Julia Matysiak
Maia Matysiak
Martina Matysiak
Lexi McGregor
Nikolas McGregor
Luke Montgomery
Mikayla Montgomery
Kaya Ociepa
Veronika Ociepa
Maddi Olanski
Mathis Paull
Amica Paull
Alexa Peterson
Sophia Plank
Erin Slizak
Elizabeth Yakovlev
Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association of Canada
Surrey Branch
Fostering, promoting, maintaining and perpetuation
in the national life of Canada,
the finest spiritual and cultural elements and traditions
of the Ukrainian people.
604-581-0313
Congratulations on the occasion of your
20th Annual Festival
Zirka Ukrainian Dancers of the Okanagan Valley Vernon, BC
33. 33
Ukrainian Women's
Association of Canada
Surrey Branch
13512 - 108 Avenue
Surrey BC V3T 4W8
Telephone 604-581-0313
Best wishes for continued success
as you celebrate your
20th Annual Festival
Wheat Weaving Wonders
Irene grew up on a farm near Chipman, AB and now lives in Edmonton with her husband Andy, where she has
displayed and taught since 1983.
Straw work has been done for centuries throughout the world. The Africans wove door hangings in hopes of
more children; the English made Mordiford hearts to exchange at weddings; Swiss
made lace: the Ukrainians are known for making straw hats; Welsh made fans; Mexi-
cans wove house blessings.
Europeans took their last sheaf of grain into their homes to preserve the corn spirit for
next spring. Wheat is cut at a specific time, dried, cleaned and soaked, before weaving.
Today's weavings are symbols of "Good Health and Happiness.
Irene Topolnitsky / Edmonton Alberta / Phone (780) 453-2600
