High Energy and Kinship
- Admin
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
A Thriving Ukrainian Dance Community in Northern Alberta
Peace River Muzyka Dancers | Fairview Veselka Dancers
The Ukrainian dance communities in Peace River and Fairview have a few things in common. They are both dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and having a great time doing it.
Between the Peace River Muzyka Dancers and the Fairview Veselka Dancers, there are several opportunities to experience local Ukrainian culture. So, get out there and clap, or toe tap, for these high energy, vibrant dancers when they take the stage to perform this year.
Peace River Muzyka Ukrainian Dancers
This year, the Peace River Muzyka Dancers are celebrating their 50th anniversary. In 1975, a group of women of Ukrainian heritage formed the organization to help preserve their culture and kinship—and, of course, dance.
In that first year, they gathered regularly and found their first instructor, Brenda Muzyka.
“The group’s vision was to promote Ukrainian heritage as an integral part of Canadian life and to provide instruction in all aspects of Ukrainian culture to all age groups in our region,” said the club’s treasurer Kamber Ferriss.
The club offers instruction in various dance styles from different parts of Ukraine for members ages three and up. All the dance styles are high energy and have their own distinct costumes.
“We bring instructors in from Edmonton who are competent to teach various regional styles. The instruction includes training in barre since Ukrainian dance is foundationally inspired by ballet,” said club president Nicole Schuler.
For the Muzyka dance families, being a part of the organization is about more than just dancing. The club offers a sense of community and belonging that stretches generations.
“Our secretary, Kaleigh Paul’s Baba [grandmother] was one of the founding members of the club. Now, with her children dancing in the club, there are four generations connected to our dance family,” said Schuler.
Fundraising to keep the club running is done in many ways, but cabbage roll and perogy sales at Christmas play a big part in bringing down expenses for the families.
The club gathers to make these items, which is another cultural tradition they embrace.
“There is so much to learn about our heritage and our history, and it is those traditions that tie our families and communities together,” said Schuler. “Ukrainian dance is a timeless tradition that does not change with world trends.”
Being a Muzyka dancer is not just for Ukrainians. The club is quick to welcome people of all ethnic backgrounds and cultures.
The goal is to grow as an organization and promote Ukrainian dance and culture to all.
“Our dance season runs September to May. The first three classes are free to try in September, and we welcome anyone interested to see if Ukrainian dance is a good fit for them,” said Ferriss.
Families or individuals who want to get involved should email muzykadancers@gmail.com for more information.
Everyone is welcome to attend the year-end concert on May 3 and May 4 at Athabasca Hall in Peace River.
Fairview Veselka Dancers
In Fairview, there is another opportunity to watch Ukrainian dancers hit the stage. On May 3, see the Veselka dancers’ performance at E. E. Oliver Elementary School at 3pm. The show is two hours with intermission. Snacks and cocktails will be available.
“It is like a celebration every time the dancers are on stage,” said club president Angie Meashaw. “The music is lively, and the dance has such a high energy to it. You can’t help but get excited.”
Fairview’s Ukrainian dance club was incorporated in 1996 and is still going strong nearly 30 years later.
Attending two competitions every year throughout the province, the club also reaches for opportunities beyond the region for their dancers.
“In 2013, our club was accepted to dance in Disneyland. They were such a crowd favourite they won a Golden Mickey Award,” said Meashaw. “We were planning to perform on a cruise in 2020, but it was cancelled due to COVID. We’re always looking for opportunities for our dancers to perform globally.”
To fund these adventures and the elaborate costumes that are hand-made and imported from Ukraine, the club has a catering operation run by parents and volunteers.
The high demand for their catering service makes it relatively affordable for members. The club takes care of the bulk of the competition fees, the costumes expenses and the instruction costs.
“We want to make Ukrainian dance as affordable and accessible for everybody as possible,” said Meashaw. “I think given the present circumstances in Ukraine, it is very important to realize how blessed we are to be out here dancing and carrying on this heritage.”
The Veselka organization is more than just dance; it is a tight-knit group of people who support each other—in many cases over multiple generations.
“Our children become very close friends. We do a big celebration at the end of the year if we have dancers graduating. Everyone attends, and it usually ends in tears. There is a big spirit of camaraderie,” said Meashaw.
Thankfully, the Veselka dance club has experienced a welcomed resurgence after the difficult COVID years.
With 35 dancers currently enrolled, the future looks bright.
“We accept anybody. There is no need to audition or have previous dance experience. Just come on out, and we will teach you how to dance,” said Meashaw.
Families or individuals who want to get involved should email fairviewvelselkadancers@gmail.com for more information or attend the Programs and Services Fair at the Legion Hall in Fairview in September to register.
By Kelly Pippin | Photography submitted
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