STURGIS — The Barveenok Ukrainian Dance Club continued the tradition of showcasing Ukrainian culture through its 45th anniversary spring concert, held in Sturgis on May 9.
The national anthems for both Canada and Ukraine were played, followed by the welcome dance known as the Pryvit by club members. Amber MacDonald was the MC.
The beginner group of Aleah King, Brinley King, Hartley Hurlburt, Colter Hurlburt, Joey Prestie, Brynn Barsby, Addilyn Hull, Ava Nelson, Emily Prokopetz and Olivia Babiarz kicked off the afternoon program by performing a Poltava dance.
The senior group of Karlie MacDonald, Lily Beatty, Maycee Johnson, Lindy Romanchuk and Eva Romanchuk performed a Polissia, a Poltava and a Bukovyna dance
The adult group of Sandra Johnson, Loranda Shuba, Leah Prestie, Jerilyn Radawetz, Brandi Arneson, Christina Oleynik, Brooke Olson, Tecia Fincaryk, Kylee Meroniuk, Jordan Musey and Amanda Kowalchuk performed a Poltava and a Hutzul.
The intermediate group of Blake Beatty, Josie Moekerk, Nicholas Chalupiak, Will Prestie and Emily Belesky performed a Hutzul and Poltava dance.
The junior group of Hailey Seghers, Brinley Robinson, Hudson Babiarz, Everleigh Anaka and Stetson Checkowy performed a Poltava and Transcarpathian dance.
Tecia Fincaryk and her children Hudson and Olivia Babiarz performed a family dance.
Guest dancers were the Norquay Rosa Ukrainian boys, who performed a Transcarpathian dance; the Norquay Rosa Ukrainian adult dances, who performed a Slobozhanshchyna dance; and the Canora Veselka senior boys.
At the conclusion of the performances, awards were presented. Karlie MacDonald received the Spirit of Dance award; Emily Belesky received the most improved dancer; Emily Prokopetz received the leadership award and Hudson Babiarz received the kindness award. Josie Moekerk, Nicholas Chalupiak and Blake Beatty received five-year awards.
“The spring concert was a fantastic turnout and such a wonderful way to wrap up the season for our dancers. Even though I stepped in later in the year, the dancers showed tremendous growth, confidence and skill by the end of the season — along with some amazing festival marks to celebrate all of their hard work. I am so proud of everyone,” said instructor Mikaela Twerdoclib.
"It was also incredibly special to teach the senior girls again after having taught most of them when they were beginning their dance journeys as beginner and junior dancers. It truly felt like a full-circle moment, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I will miss all of the dancers I had the chance to get to know this season,” concluded Twerdoclib.
The cub bid farewell to Twerdoclib and welcomed new instructor Christina Oleynik for the 2026-27 season.
Oleynik is the Preeceville School Grade 1 and 2 teacher and has a vast knowledge of Ukrainian culture and dance. She has 20 years of experience, which includes 17 years with the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Yorkton and three years with the Canada National Riding and Dancing Cossacks from Dauphin, Man.
