Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers Shine in the Spotlight

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

All eyes were on the Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers as they performed in their Year-End Concert on April 30.

Around 400 people attended the Year-End Concert and Spring Zabava and cheered on all 26 of the dancers, who range in age between five and 15 years of age.

It was the culmination of all the hard work the dancers have put in during the dance season, and judging by the heartfelt cheering and applause by the crowd, it had definitely paid off.

Club President Elena Jarema said this dance season was “almost back to normal” which all the dancers were excited about. As far as goals for the season, Jarema said, “It was to have fun, get out and enjoy dancing. I’m just so happy we were able to have regular dance classes this whole year.”

The Year-End Concert and Spring Zabava was a great way for generations of families was a great way to celebrate the art of Ukrainian dancing, enjoy fantastic food and celebrate their shared culture. Jarema said the event was also a fundraiser with proceeds going back to the club to cover annual expenses, plus the purchase of new costume pieces. As well, a total of $1,043 was raised for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Instructor Steve Murrell thanked all of the dancers after the concert. “What’s going on in the world in Ukraine right now is something very difficult for a lot of us to handle. And by continuing our traditions of dance, making pysanka, perogies with Baba and learning about our heritage, there is no way that people will succeed in getting rid of Ukraine. Thank you all for continuing these traditions. Thank you kids, you guys did a wonderful job this evening. I am very proud of all of you. Please continue, and don’t ever stop dancing.”

Lisa Shires was thrilled to watch her six-year-old son Clarence dancing on stage, a place she is all too familiar with as she began Ukrainian dancing when she was five-years-old with the Waskatenau Pryveet Dance Club.

“I stayed with the club until I graduated high school 13 years later. I then took a few years off, and when I heard the Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers were starting an adult class I was so excited. I danced with Smoky Lake for four years and if they ever have enough interest to run another adult class I will be there to join.”

Shires said she loves the movements and physical aspect of dancing. “In the adult classes I loved the interaction with other adults, the love for the culture, and just being able to dance and perform.

To me dancing can challenge you both mentally and physically, it shows you a whole new part of cultural that can be experienced anywhere you go, can take you places you have never seen and make friends that can last a life time. Both my brothers and I grew up with Ukrainian dancing and I think it’s so important that my sons do the same.”