One of the largest events of the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, the festival was held in Mission, British Columbia.
This was report by the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.
The festival traditionally brings together Ukrainian dance groups from across North America. This year, it brought together performers from Victoria, Calgary, Prince George, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Barvinok performed with the intermediate and elementary groups, presenting their skills and passion for Ukrainian dance to audiences from across Canada and the United States. The dancers became part of a large international Ukrainian movement that supports national identity through art and promotes Ukrainian cultural heritage during times of war.
'We had a great time performing and socializing at this year's BC Festival! Our intermediate team is already looking forward to next year's celebration of culture, dance, and community. Our beginner team had a wonderful time celebrating Ukrainian dance, culture, and community at the annual BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival. Thank you for the memories and the magic!" the Barvinok team shared. Наша команда початківців чудово відсвяткувала український танець, культуру та товариство на щорічному BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival – дякуємо за спогади та магію!”, — поділився колектив “Барвінок”.
The festival featured folk dance competitions, workshops, fairs, gastronomy, and spectacular performances. The dance performances were judged by a professional jury. Participants demonstrated various folk dances, such as the hopak, Bukovynian, Zaporozhets, Polissya, and Volyn polka, and received numerous gold, silver, and bronze awards.
The festival organizers and hosts, Wally and Glenna Nychyporuk, thanked all the participants for their inspiration, unity, and love for Ukrainian culture.
Photos were taken from the ensemble's page and B.C. Ukrainian Cultural Festival
Author: Inna Mikhno