The 39th annual Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Festival is back this year with a stomp, leap, and twirl, to tell the stories of centuries-old tradition.
Vanessa Wiebe, the festival’s organizer, emphasizes the festival’s role in preserving Ukrainian heritage and fostering togetherness, “especially when a lot of our loved ones and people we know are dealing with the war over in Ukraine right now. We have the privilege of being able to not be in a war situation, so we can get together and we can sing, dance, and play music,” she says.
Beyond the mesmerizing footwork, the festival is a hub for cultural appreciation, bringing vibrant performances, rich traditions and a sense of community to Edmonton. This year introduces a community stage, where musicians and vocalists can share their talents alongside the dancers.
“We have a little spot in our market for musical acts to join us, play music, sing songs, or play their instruments. It’s about opening the space for everyone to celebrate our culture,” shares Wiebe, adding that people can also shop traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts, handcrafted goods and baked treats at the marketplace.
Expect performances from various regions of Ukraine, with a “showcase [of] nine different regions, plus three open categories for longer suites,” says Wiebe, highlighting the festival’s diverse offerings. “The Hopak is a big one, but we also have character dances and other regional performances.”
While the festival remains non-professional, it culminates in the Show of Stars, a ticketed event featuring top-scoring performances from the weekend and a special guest appearance from the Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company. “Seeing all of the different groups come together in one space is one of my favourite parts,” says Wiebe. “We all just get so excited to show off what we’ve been working on and to celebrate together.
“The energy in the theatre, especially on Saturday night during the Hopak performances, is electric,” Wiebe shares. “Everyone is so excited to be there, to celebrate, to showcase what they’ve worked on for a year. Any friendly competition fades away, and it’s just about sharing the passion for our culture.”
As the festival approaches its 40th anniversary, organizers are already planning for a major celebration. “Next year, we want to focus even more on community,” says Wiebe. “We’re planning a big celebration where everyone can come together, reconnect, and celebrate Ukrainian culture in a relaxed, social atmosphere, something like a big party.”
An event like this becomes more than just a festival (running March 19 – 32 at The Orange Hub). Support and help celebrate this community’s resilience, identity, and the enduring spirit of a people who express their heritage with every step.
