SPN: Ukrainian culture alive and well in High Prairie

The High Prairie Ukrainian Cultural Society and the Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Edmonton entertained a sell out crowd in the Elks Pro Rodeo hall March 26.

“It was our quickest sell out,” says society president Nikki Lussier. “This is the first time we’ve had a Zabava, a big party.”

Zabava means “fun” and Vohon means “fire” in Ukrainian.

A roast beef dinner was served and then the two groups performed 14 dances. Gilles Lussier was the emcee and he described the significance of each dance and how they relate to Ukrainian or eastern European culture.

The dances included the Polissianka, Zarcarpatski Tanetz, Hutzulski Kruchyni, Volynski Polka, Kozachock, Hopcolm, Holubar and Kolomeyka. There was also a dance by the beginner group, the Bear and Bees, with Meghan Dowsett as the bear.

The Vohon group performed the Hopak dance for the finale. Emcee Gilles Lussier described it as revealing true fire in the performers’ souls and showcasing their energy, superior solos and graceful finesse, building to an unforgettable finale.

At the end of the event, the executive of the High Prairie Ukrainian Cultural Society were recognized for their contributions.

Katrina Doblanko, left, and Matt Karpiak, who are with the Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, perform the Polissianka dance.

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! The High Prairie Beginner group performs the Bear and Bees number. Left-right are Kelly Cox, Hannah Turcotte, Logan Bruder, Meghan Dowsett as Bear, Hannah Gallivan, Brody Kit, Joshua Strebchuk and Maddi Olanski.

Lisa Zabolotniuk, a member of the High Prairie Ladies Zirka Group, perform the Zarcarpatski Tanetz.

Eugene Shmyruk, left, and Lindsay Brochu, who are with the Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, perform the Kozachock dance near the end. Vohon is a professional dance group which has performed all over the world including High Prairie many times.

Vohon dance members, left-right, are Brad Faryna, Melissa Melnyk, Rhema Kennedy, Bo Zorniak, David Zee, Katrina Doblanko and Kassandra Stanton. Sitting, left-right, are Stephanie Davies and Lindsay Brochu.

The High Prairie Ladies Zirka Group performs the Volynski Polka dance. Some of their members, left-right, are Lindsay Coade, Kirsten Dupres, Shauna Gauthier and Nikki Lussier.

In front is Deklan Kit and behind him, left-right, are Hope Keshen and Katija Sware. They performed the Hopcolm with the High Prairie Intermediate group. The Hopcolm requires incredible physical ability dance steps.

The High Prairie Senior girls perform the Holubar. Shelby Kasinec, left, and Sharlie Zabolotniuk are two of the dancers. It takes incredible physical skill and stamina to dance effectively.

The High Prairie Junior group performs the Kolomeyka. Ethan Smith, left, and Brielle Kit are two of their members.

The High Prairie Intermediate group performs the Hopcolm dance. Left-right are Amy Zabolotniuk, Cohen Lussier, Makayla Jahnert, Desiree Qually, Kadin Kit, Hope Keshen, Katija Sware, Deklan Kit and Kelsi Smith.