This summer, the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performed at Western Canada’s 41st Ukrainian Pysanka Festival in Vegreville, Alta.
This year’s festival was a celebration of the 200th year since the birth of Taras Shevchenko, the great Ukrainian poet and artist. In his poems, Shevchenko called upon his people to fight for their freedom and happiness.
“I was thrilled to be a part of such a long-running Ukrainian Festival where many talented musicians and dancers performed from across the country,” said Sadok’s artistic director Andrea Malysh.
The festival featured historic displays, including tracking your Ukrainian roots, one on various Ukrainian literature, and another on Canada’s first national internment operations of 1914 to 1920.
A highlight of the festival was when Sadok’s youngest dancers, Rebeka Toporchak and Kyndra Johnson, ages four and six respectively, were asked to perform at the evening grandstand show with their dance, Pysanky.
“Their gorgeous Easter Egg costumes made by the group’s prop costume designer, Patricia Baker, was the show stopper of the festival,” said Malysh.
Sadok has performed throughout the Okanagan and Alberta and at Disneyland, Calif. Their travels have taken them to Ukraine twice, once in 2006 and most recently in July of 2013.
They were also guest performers at the inaugural Okanagan Military Tatoo Aug. 1 and 2.
The group also hosts the annual Okanagan Ukrainian Festival at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre in May.
Sadok will be holding its 2014 -15 dance season registration night Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Vernon Elks Lodge, 3103 30th St.
For further information or to pre-register contact Malysh at (250) 558-2959, email sadok@shaw.ca or visit the website at www.sadok.net.
