The Ukrainian Cultural Society of High Prairie held its annual Malanka celebration Feb. 1 at the Edmo Peyre Hall. Zirka dancers delighted the audience with their dazzling performance after a delicious meal. If pictures do indeed tell a thousand words, we will let the pictures tell the story.
Photos provided by Dyanna Monteith and Sarah Perry
Senior Zirka Elly Belesky performed a solo during the Third Act. She has danced with Zirka for many years.Senior Zirkas performed a delightful duet for the audience. Left-right are Addison Dube and Elly Belesky.Junior Zirkas performed Volyn Dudaryky. Volyn is a region of Ukraine. Left-right are Hadley Zahacy, Deya Patenaude, Isla Marx and Zaylee Venoit.Junior Zirka Isla Marx was the youngest Zirka to perform a solo. Above, she carries a bag of flour before making bread!Zirka presented a first-time performance for the club: a musical theatre called Kalyna, by dancers eight years and older. In front, left-right, are Isla Marx and Camille Olanski. In the middle row, left-right, are Maelle Lewis, Adelaide Veniot, Amelia Kemp and Paige Gordon. In the back row, left-right, are Elly Belesky, Addison Dube, and Serenity Forseille.Lambs was performed by Zirka’s three-year-olds, with a little help from senior dancers. Left-right are Elly Belesky, Adalynn Plesuk, Pyper Simms, Guinevere Marquardt, Eleanna Auger, and Addison Dube. Not shown are Gabriele Marquardt and Quinn Payne.Zirka’s 5-6-year-old dancers performed a number called Zorya. Above, Talian Zahacy concentrates on the dance’s moves.Dancing requires skill and dexterity, accomplished only through practice. Above, the four-year-old Zirkas perform Dinosaur! In front, left-right, are Rowan Wishart and Nolan L’Hirondelle.Beginner Zirka Dancers performed Kurka, translated to Chickens! Left-right are Elizabeth Veniot, Riley Kusel, Tessa Vink, Jeremiah Auger, Anna Perry, Freya Johansson and Kaia Payne.Many years, Zirka is not fortunate to have enough adults to form a group. Not so this year! Above, the group performs Moya Kurochka. Left-right are Sarah Perry, Ashley Marquardt, Darcie L’Hirondelle and Michelle Olanski. Not shown are Stephanie Dube, Marquardt, Dyanna Marquardt, Stacy Piesuk, and Sydney Seigle.Junior Zirkas performed Koshenyata, translated to Kittens. Left-right are Zaylee Venoit, Deya Patenaude, Hadley Zahacy, Isla Marx and Camille Olanski. The ribbons added a very nice visual touch to the dance.High Prairie Zirka Dancer Addison Dube performed a solo at the Malanka celebration Feb. 1 at the Edmo Peyre Hall in High Prairie. Dube is one of the senior dancers.
