The Glendon Shevchenko Ukrainian dancers, consisting of 16 students, performed a number of traditional Ukrainian dances, including Poltava, Hutsul, Polissia and Hopak, as part of Glendon's Malanka celebration in honour of Ukrainian New Years on Jan. 21.
The dance club's new instructor, Brenden Kuzma, explained the legend of Malanka after the performance, saying, "The story goes that Malanka is the most beautiful woman in all the land for Ukraine. Malanka is usually stolen by somebody, usually Old Man Winter, and some strapping young lad is sent to save Malanka.
"The catch with Malanka is she's usually played by the ugliest male you can find. Once she is rescued from Old Man Winter, she is the symbol of new life; she is spring time. Winter's end is when she returns," he explained.
Kuzma is from Prince George, B.C. and is also a probationary dancer for Shumka, in Edmonton.
"Shumka is a professional Ukrainian dance company based out of Edmonton," said Kuzma. "My goal is to be a Shumka soloist one day, to be that go-to guy that will be on the posters."
Kuzma has been dancing Ukrainian dance for ten years and began senior dance when he was 11, shared Janice Voltner, President of the Shevchenko Ukrainian Dance club in Glendon.
His dancing training also includes hip-hop, ballet and acrobatic dance.
During Glendon's Malanka celebrations, the dancers were able to show off their new costumes, explained Voltner. Some of their older costumes dated back to when the dance club began, 25 years ago.
"We have been fundraising for a long time for much needed costumes," she said. "Some of our costumes date back to 20 to 30 years. We have fundraised tremendously in order to get these costumes, which were hand-made in Ukraine."
Those attending Malanka in Glendon said they enjoyed the costumes, enthusiasm and most of all, the children's spirit.
"The kids are great, lots of enthusiasm, you could see they were enjoying it," said MLA for Bonnyville - Cold Lake Genia Leskiw.
She said watching kids dance is her favourite part of Malanka. "It's so traditional, it warms my heart and puts a big smile on my face."
