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Malanka celebration kicks off new year

SPN Staff
for South Peace News

Each year the High Prairie Ukrainian and Cultural Society holds its annual Malanka celebration. After a traditional Ukrainian meal, the High Prairie Zirka dancers performed to the delight of family and friends. The dancers train very hard beginning in September and are ready for their show. Each year, the society also brings in a professional dance group to delight the audience. This year, Edmonton-based Vohon performed. They are no stranger to High Prairie, having been here many times before. Their high-flying skill had the Elks Hall jumping and clapping to the music.

Zirka’s Senior dancers performed a Volyn dance for an appreciative audience. From front to back are Lindsey Coade, Kristy Boechers, Liza Zabolotniuk, Stephanie Dube and Kirsten Dupres.

Zirka dancing is a family affair for some! Above, Lisa Zabolotniuk poses before the show with her daughter, Amy Zabolotniuk.

The Intermediate dancers show the fine detail woven into each costume and the tremendous colour. Left-right are Samara Giroux-Snelling, Kadin Kit, Hope Keshen, Deklan Kit and Kelsi Smith. They are performing a Hutzel dance.

Taylor Iwasiuk, part of a very energetic and enthusiastic Zirka Seniors dance group, performs a Poltava dance.

Ukrainian dancing takes tremendous technical skill and top physical condition to perform all the steps and moves. Part of the dance, especially for the men, includes acrobatic moves. Above, Eugene Shmyruk, a member of Vohon and formerly of Sexsmith, performs.

Desiree Qually, a Junior dancer with Zirka, was given the task of holding the cheese to allure the mice in the Poltava character dance.

If you’re going to catch a mouse, you’re going to need a mousetrap! In the Junior dancers Poltava character dance called ‘Mice and Cats’, the trap is set! Left-right are Samuel Basarab, Ethan Smith, Thomas Basarab and Luke Strebchuk.

And we danced! Intermediate Zirkas dance a Hutzel. Left-right are Kelsi Smith, Cohen Lussier and Samara Giroux-Snelling.

Butterflies and little girls are a perfect mix. Beginner Zirka Kirsten Bruder plays the part to perfection and looks as cute as a button.

The professional Vohon group was the highlight of the show. In the character dance above are Ryan Stark and Alanna Wasylkiw.

Vohon’s high-spirited and lively performance included many acrobatic moves. The women on top, left-right, are Alanna Wasylkiw, Kim Payne, Karlee Dominiuk and Brittany Sorochan.

Vohon dancer Ryan Stark is not one to “toot his own horn’ but when you’re that good and surrounded by beautiful women, well. . .! Vohon performed four dances for the sold out audience at the Elks Hall.