KAMSACK — Sadok Ukrainian Dance School in Kamsack is gearing up to celebrate its 20th year of sharing the art and culture of Ukrainian dance with the community. The journey began back in the fall of 2004 when twelve children, ranging from ages 5 to 14, along with six adults, gathered at the old Boy Scout Hall on Nicholas Street. Under the guidance of AnnaLee (nee Fuhr) Parnetta, Sadok started as a small group and grew steadily in size and influence over the years.
AnnaLee Parnetta, who arrived in Kamsack as a full-time teacher in 2003, played a pivotal role in establishing the club. Under her administration and instruction, Sadok's enrollment continued to grow, and today, the club boasts an average of 25 to 30 young dancers aged 3 to 18. In 2010, AnnaLee Parnetta stepped away as the administrator and instructor, and the club transitioned into a Board-directed organization. Throughout its journey, Sadok has had the privilege of being guided by various instructors, including Amanda Yaschyshen (Bluycz), Kallie Haas (Bezinski), and Eric and Jason Sliva.
In the fall of 2017, AnnaLee Parnetta returned to Sadok as the instructor, marking a significant moment in the club's history as it entered its 20th season.
The 19th year of Ukrainian dance presented unique challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the club successfully readjusted, allowing dancers to return to regular practices, including holding hands and engaging in partner work. Moreover, they had the opportunity to attend Ukrainian dance competitions in person, even beyond provincial boundaries. With a roster of 25 dancers aged 3 to 19, the students practiced diligently at the Kamsack Playhouse. In return, Sadok provided volunteers to assist with the theater's movie screenings. The year concluded with a memorable year-end concert held at KCI. The dancers also participated in the Yorkton Kalyna Ukrainian Dance Festival in late April and the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Festival in Brandon, Manitoba, in early May, receiving commendable marks and medals for their efforts.
As Sadok embarks on its 20th season, the club looks forward to another year of dance and welcomes children aged 3 to 18 to join their ranks. An Open House is scheduled for Thursday, October 5th, starting at 5:30 at the Playhouse Theatre, with regular classes commencing the following week and running until May 2024. The club also plans to participate in Ukrainian dance festivals and hopes to return to performing at local nursing homes to bring joy to the residents.
While there won't be adult classes offered this year due to time constraints, neighbouring clubs in Norquay, Yorkton, Roblin, and Swan River provide weekly adult classes.
