Our History

Yalenka Ukrainian Dance Society – School of Dance was the first Ukrainian dance school in Calgary. It’s roots date back to the early 1970’s when parents attending St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church organized dance classes for their children.

For the first few years, volunteers taught the classes in the church basement. Then, with the completion of the cultural centre in 1977, classes opened up for children of St Stephen’s and Assumption Ukrainian Catholic parishes.

Shortly thereafter – in 1980 – the group was named Yalenka … meaning “Christmas Tree”… a name chosen for the vibrant image of enthusiastic children dancing together around the yuletide symbol. This image is presently depicted in Yalenka’s logo, which, like the school, evolved over the years into its present beautiful work of art.

Until approximately the mid-80’s, Yalenka operated under the management of Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, but emphasized parent involvement and direction. As the group grew in size and became more established, it drafted its own constitution, elected a Board of Directors from the parent membership, and hired trained instructors from Tryzub.

On February 22, 1985, Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers Society was incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta with these objectives:

• To support and promote Ukrainian dancing and spread this aspect of Ukrainian Canadian culture to all ethnic groups within the Canadian mosaic.
• To be an autonomous non-profit organization and encourage the closer association of all persons of Ukrainian extraction.

Membership was opened to anyone between the ages of 5 and 15 years who was interested in Ukrainian dancing. In 1991, this age limit was increased to include youth up to the age of 18.

On June 1, 1997 Yalenka members voted to have the name of the school changed to Yalenka Ukrainian Dancers Society – School of Dance. The vote was passed and the name change became official on July 16, 1997.

Yalenka’s mission statement, developed in 1994, reads, “To teach Ukrainian dance skills in an environment that promotes commitment, self-confidence and the enjoyment of the Ukrainian Heritage” and embraces the spirit of our dancers. Although the focus of instruction is on technical excellence and artistic impression, the value of dancing just for fun is not forgotten! This vision captures the success of Yalenka.

Throughout the years, Yalenka’s students have mastered and performed a variety of Ukrainian dance styles including Poltava, Hutzul, Bukovynian, Volyn, and Transcarpathian. An extensive inventory of costumes has allowed the students to vividly and accurately portray these regions… and without great expense to their parents!

Participation in dance festivals, strongly encouraged for Yalenka’s older students both locally and throughout Alberta, provides an opportunity for dancers to demonstrate their skills and further their abilities. Many of the students enter not only in their group dances, but also in individual or duet categories. Festival entry demands commitment and dedication to Ukrainian dancing; rehearsals are scheduled over and above regular class time.

Since its inception, Yalenka’s young dancers have proudly entertained audiences at many local cultural events as well as numerous private receptions for church celebrations, community fundraisers, weddings, anniversaries and senior citizen functions. In 1988 the students performed at the Winter Olympics. In 1991, they danced at the Calgary Winter Festival, the Chinese Spring Festival, the World Cup Bobsleigh Event and at the Variety of Nations. In February 1992, they proudly participated in “Glorious and Free,” a celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada. They have also entertained during Heritage Day (1993) and Canada Day (1995) celebrations.

Field trips to Spokane in 1992, Regina in 1995, and Edmonton (Vohon) provided the students some wonderful opportunities to meet and share experiences with other Ukrainian dancers.

In February of 2006, Yalenka's Kalyna and Veselka groups had the honour of performing at the Magic Kingdom in Disneyworld and at Universal Studios in Florida. It is the goal of Yalenka to make insure our dancers experience world travel and share their love of dance with other cultures and countries.

In 2008 another trip is now being planned to dance in Ukraine.

Today, the students of Yalenka Ukrainian Dance Society – School of Dance rehearse at School Of Alberta Ballet. Yalenka enjoys membership from ages 3 years to adult.

Members encompasses Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian students who love to dance!