ST. PAUL - Just days after performing for a large crowd at the All Saints Ukrainian Orthodox Cultural Centre in St. Paul on April 5, some of the St. Paul Desna Ukrainian dance club members travelled to Edmonton to take part in the inaugural Shumka Dance Festival in Edmonton.
Sixteen members from the dance club performed at the festival, which was held at the Northern Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Debbie Kachmar-Potter was the adjudicator and there were a total of 303 entries at the festival, which ran from April 10-12.
"Our dancers performed 18 dances over the course of three days and earned seven platinum medals (scores 95 and up), nine gold medals (scores between 90-94), two silver medals scores between 85-89), one first place ribbon, one second place ribbon and two third place ribbons," says instructor Erin Haugen.
The club's level 6/7 group character dance titled ‘Hard Knock Life’ was selected to perform in the final competition on Saturday night, which featured 15 of the highest scoring group dances of the festival.
Some of the dancers were also awarded additional scholarships, including Ayla Culp for the highest mark in the 12-years-old and under category for a female solo, and Megan Pashko received a similar scholarship in the 13 years old and over category.
Finn Haugen received a scholarship for highest mark in the male solo 12 years old and under category. Finn also got best presentation for male solo in the "any age" category.
Kalli Foisy and Megan Pashko got highest mark in the 13 years and over category, and Ayla and Finn also got highest mark in the 12 years and under category for their duet.
The club was also honoured to be selected as the recipient for the Bridgette Hardy-Crytes Festival Spirit Award, according to Erin.
"This scholarship celebrates a dance club that truly embodies the spirit of the Shumka Dance Festival - exuding passion, sportsmanship, and a deep love for Ukrainian dance. Awarded to a group that demonstrates unwavering dedication, positivity, and a meaningful impact on the festival community, this honour recognizes those who uplift and inspire others, both on and off the stage. It is named in memory of Bridgette Hardy-Crytes, a devoted Shumka School of Dance parent, whose courageous battle with cancer ended in 2024. Her legacy lives on in the positivity, joy, laughter, and love she brought to our community - values that continue to shine through this scholarship," reads information from the Shumka organization.
Spring concert
On April 5, dancers of all ages performed for family and friends. The concert celebrated the arrival of spring and showcased the skill and talents of the dancers. Special guests from Studia Shumka were also in attendance and performed several impressive dances.
