Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers return to stage for first time in nearly three years this Saturday

Jan 20, 2023 | 1:19 PM

On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Grande Prairie’s Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers will be back on stage following the COVID-19 pandemic at Malanka 2023.

The event starts at 5:00 p.m. at Bonnett’s Energy Centre with cocktails and will be followed by dinner, performances, silent auctions, and a DJ.

Valeriia Granillo on the Troyanda Society of Ukrainian Culture & Heritage board says there will be several groups of dancers throughout the night.

“Malanka is a celebration of Ukrainian New Year. It’s a different calendar than the western one.”

She notes there will be over 50 local Ukrainian dancers performing, with some for their very first time to the public.

“We will have ten dances or so, represented with different age groups and each dance will represent a different region of Ukraine through specific costumes.”

Granillo says it’s been a hard year following the pandemic being a non-profit organization.

“Alberta, especially Grande Prairie has a lot of Ukrainians, that came here a long time ago, and it’s promoting that side of heritage that we represent!”

Tickets can be bought at the box office at Bonnett’s Energy Centre or by calling 780-538-0387.

by Erika Rolling