Veselka is the Ukrainian word for rainbow. It’s also the word the Ukrainian National Federation in Sudbury uses to describe its dance school, paying tribute to the colourful displays of artistry and costumes its dancers wear.
This year is a big one for the vibrant performers at the Veselka School of Ukrainian Dance. 2013 marks the 80th year the school has been in Sudbury, developing dancers through the decades.
“It’s been such a long-standing school of dance,” said Keri Shewchuk, director of the Veselka School of Dance.
“For most of the dancers, the Veselka School of Dance is a place to make friends, to have fun and to enjoy the Ukrainian culture and all it has to offer. For others, it is a sense of family history and tradition with some of the students being the grandchildren or even great-grandchildren of past dancers and instructors.”
The school began when a few members of the UNF began informal dancing, singing and drama activities at the hall. As time went on, the actual structure of the school began to fall into place.
Today, Veselka is one of the oldest dance schools in Canada, Shewchuk said.
Today, anyone aged two to adult can learn to dance, whether or not they are Ukrainian. The free dance classes are taught by experienced performers, many who grew up in the school of dance. Throughout the year, they perform at UNF functions and other community cultural events.
On June 9, dancers are hosting an 80th anniversary show at the UNF Hall, located at 130 Frood Rd. The show begins at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12.
For more information, visit www.velselkadance.webs.com.
