The Hafford Cheremka dancers held yet another successful banquet and performance at the Hafford Communiplex in honour of Ukrainian New Year celebration Jan. 15.
Guests were greeted at the door by Jenny Markewich, Megan Jones and Ashley Kowalchuk holding a traditional bread and salt offering. Senior boys Scott Markewich and Tyler Yasieniuk also greeted guests with bread and salt in their traditional Bukovanian costume.
The evening began with a blessing from Father Fedoriv followed by the Lastiwka Ukrainian Orthodox Youth choir from Saskatoon.
Four Ukrainian dance instructors travel weekly to provide guidance for the aspiring dancers. Instructor for junior and beginner dancers is Joleen Michalenko. Jared Suwala taught intermediate and Centaine Regainski instructed beginner and senior dancers.
The performances of the evening displayed remarkable skill and agility as the beginners concentrated on their steps and hand movements while displaying bright smiles.
Ukrainian dance is characterized by energetic jumping, quick foot work, incredibly fast spins that cause the dresses and ribbons to display their colour and high leg kicks, and lifts that demonstrate unity and strength. These dancers, between six and 17 years of age, performed with their hearts totally involved, the smiles on their faces showed it.
The dedicated dance instructors should be commended on teaching the dancers a stylized art form that is preserving the culture. The parents should also be commended for giving their children the opportunity to learn the traditional dance and characteristic movements that have been choreographed for public performances. Finally, the students should be commended for displaying the dedication and discipline to continue with the classes.
The performers for the evening were Lonnie Yasieniuk, Carsen Derksen, Courtney Yasieniuk, Jaylynn Taylor, Amber Toews, Chelsea Boyko, Reese Cherwinski, Jessica Rice, Cabri Tanchak, Brooke Kowalchuk, Leah Kohut, Jerie Yasieniuk, Alicia Rice, Mitchell Tanchak, Justin Yasieniuk, Taylinn Cherwinski, Erica Horner, Joseph Tanchak, Rayleen Roth, Michael Horner, Andrew Derksen, Kolten Yasieniuk, Marina Rice, Sarah Shewchuk, Frankie Yasieniuk, Allanna Hawrysh, Megan Jones, Scott Markewich, Tyler Yasieniuk, Jenny Markewich, and Ashley Kowalchuk.
Malanka raffle winners were Jacinta Garand of Leask, Joseph Tanchak, Carla Dishko, Jerie Yasieniuk and Scott Markewich.
The evening continued with a public dance with musical entertainment provided by Zhyto, a five-member Calgary-based band specializing in Ukrainian music.
