As the frosty colours of Calgary's long winter give way to the fresh blooming shades of springtime, the city's oldest Ukrainian dance school is preparing to celebrate the return of sunshine.

On April 24th, the Yalenka Ukrainian School of Dance will celebrate its 35th anniversary with its season-closing performance, Spring Melodies.

A presentation of traditional Ukrainian dance, the show is about the festivals that Ukrainians partake in every year to help welcome spring and to set the stage for bountiful harvests and abundance throughout the coming year.

Flush with all the energy, colour and renewal of springtime, the event features over fifty dancers ranging in age from three to fifty-three.

A story illustrated through dance, the children will call to the birds to return while in the fields, women pray to the sun and the whole village stomps in dance, as stomping encourages good health for all.

"I'm looking forward to the storyline," says fifteen-year-old dancer Larissa Franko.

"The storyline has got all of the age groups and dancers in it and it's saying that spring is finally coming. It starts with the little ones coming on, and then there's one girl that represents spring, so she brings the flowers up. Then come all of the other dancers. It unifies us and I think it's going to look really good. "

For many dancers at Yalenka, Ukrainian dance is a family affair.

The performers presenting Spring Melodies include several combinations of sisters, fathers and daughters, couples, and mothers and sons.

Larissa Franko will be performing alongside her younger sibling, nine-year-old Amy.

"I'm going to be a flower, a bird, and some other parts," says the younger Franko.

"I like them all. The best part is just having fun and doing a good job."

Larissa, who began Ukrainian dancing at the age of five, has found the art a healthy way of connecting with others and embracing her background.

"I like dancing with a group because we're really close and it's somewhere you can go and just forget about everything," she says. "My heritage is Ukrainian and I just love learning about my tradition and culture. And it's really fun!"

"Yup. It's really fun and it's a good activity for kids," seconds Amy.

"I have lots of friends (in class). You can learn new stuff and have fun at the exact same time."

Kevin Andrechuk, publicity coordinator for Yalenka as well as one of its dancers, explains why Ukrainian dance is so popular with audiences around the world.

"It's very, very energetic. Every time I've watched it, it evokes an emotion of some kind. The emotions vary from dance to dance," explaining that some are graceful and elegant while others are vigorous and lively.

"You can be in the worst mood possible and when you watch some of these Ukrainian dances, if it doesn't put a smile on your face, then I don't know what would!"

"We've got 2 very special dances; one is the traditional ribbon dance. In addition, we'll wrap up the concert in typical Ukrainian fashion with a dance called the Hopak, which will be performed by pretty much the entire school."

The Hopak, often referred to as the National Dance of Ukraine, is known for its high leaps, squatting kicks and turns.

"There are going to be a lot of dancers onstage and hopefully that will make a very memorable impression of Ukrainian dance!"

"Spring Melodies" will be presented on Saturday, April 24th at 6:00pm at Airdrie's Bert Church Theatre.

Tickets are available by e-mailing yalenkaevents@gmail.com,and cost $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and ages five and under are free.

Young Amy Franko looks forward to showing off the dances she has learned.

"It's fun to have an audience," she says. "The best part is that you dance in front of them and show them your culture and dances. It will be a good show and I hope they enjoy it."