Hafford celebrates 27 years of Malanka

The Hafford Cheremka Dance Club celebrated its 27th consecutive annual Malanka held at the Hafford Communiplex Jan. 14.

This particular popular local Ukrainian New Year celebration originated in 1975 and was previously held in Krydor and Keatley. Upon completion of the construction of the Hafford Communiplex in 1985, the celebrations were relocated to the Hafford district in 1985.

Guests were greeted at the door by members of the senior dance ensemble in their traditional Poltava costume holding the traditional bread and salt offering.

One extremely dedicated Ukrainian dance instructor traveled weekly to provide dance lessons and guidance for the aspiring dancers. Shannon Gabrush was committed to assisting the beginner, junior, intermediate and senior dancers learn the steps and meaning behind each dance. She choreographed the evening performances, which demonstrated the advancing skill, talent and agility of these youthful dancers.

Each performer took their passion to dance and showcased the power and beauty of Ukrainian dance. Energetic jumping, quick footwork, fast spins that created the dresses and ribbons to display their color, high leg kicks and lifts that demonstrated unity and strength were well received by the sold-out audience. It was pure enjoyment to watch these vibrant dancers between the ages of 6 and 17 perform with such passion and excitement.

Once again, the instructor should be commended for sharing her time with the Cheremka Dance Club and teaching the dancers a stylized art form that is preserving the culture. It takes dedicated parents and family units to provide an opportunity for their children to learn traditional dance and characteristic movements that define the Ukrainian culture. Finally, the students should be commended for displaying the dedication and discipline to continue with the classes. The end result: a spectacular display of music, dance, athletics and color.

The aspiring performers for the evening were Jessica Rice, Reese Cherwinski, Hailey Prystupa, Ineka Schensney, Michelle Beam, Lonnie Yasieniuk, Carson Derksen, Courtney Yasieniuk, Kristen Welkie, Chelsea Boyko, Jaylynn Taylor, Amber Toews, Cabri Tanchak, Brooke Kowalchuk, Leah Kohut, Jeri Yasieniuk, Taylinn Cherwinski, Mitchell Tanchak, Justin Yasieniuk, Alanna Hawrysh, Frankie Yasieniuk, Scott Markewich, Tyler Yasieniuk, Michael Horner, Andrew Derksen, Jenny Markewich, Ashley Kowalchuk, Megan Jones, Rayleen Roth, Erica Horner, Joseph Tanchak, Kolten Yasieniuk and Marina Rice.

The evening continued with a public dance with musical entertainment provided by Zhyto, a five member Calgary-based band specializing in Ukrainian music. This dynamic young band consists of Erik Smistad on vocals and playing bass, keyboard and guitar; Stephan Bots on vocals and drums; Jordan Welbourne on vocals and guitar; Toma Lebedovich on vocal, accordion, bass and keyboard; Adriana Lebedovich on vocals and violin. Despite playing together professionally for a little over three years, they have managed to play their way into the hearts of many and will be appearing at the Dauphin Ukrainian Festival and Regina Ukrainian Festival in 2012.