How can I join Ukrainian dance or choir groups?

Calgary has one of the most active Ukrainian cultural communities in Canada, offering a wide range of opportunities to join dance and choir groups. Over 30 Ukrainian organizations operate in the city, providing a variety of programs ranging from children's groups to professional ensembles for adults. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the available options, registration procedures, costs, and features of each organization.

Major Ukrainian dance groups in Calgary

Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society

Tryzub is the first and most influential Ukrainian dance group in Calgary, founded 50 years ago. In 2024, the organization celebrated its golden anniversary, demonstrating its consistency and quality of training over the decades.

Tryzub offers programs for all age groups:

  • Children from 4 years old: Basics of Ukrainian dance
  • Teens (12-18 years old): Junior Tryzub with advanced technical training
  • Adults: Recreational classes for former ensemble members and parents

The Tryzub School uses a professional training program developed by Artistic Director Shane Gibson. The school's core values include excellence, teamwork, community, and pride.

The dance season runs from September to early June. Classes are held at the cultural center of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Church at 404 Meredith Road NE.

Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society

Barvinok has been operating since 1990 and is considered the “heart and soul of Ukrainian dance in Calgary.” The organization is run by Trevor Shullar, artistic director and co-founder.

Barvinok program structure:

  • Ages 3-5: Pre-Beginner (no level assessment)
  • Ages 5-17: Level assessment on the first day of class
  • 18+ years: Adult classes (automatic placement by age)

The 2025-2026 dance season begins on September 4 for all dancers except the youngest, who begin on September 11. Registration opens in September, with the option of pre-registration.

A unique feature of Barvinok is its system of tuition discounts. Students can receive discounts based on various criteria, details of which are available from the registrar.

Vykrutas Ukrainian Dance Society

Vykrutas is led by artistic director Vasyl Kanavets, who emphasizes a unique style that highlights the Ukrainian spirit. The school accepts students from ages 3 to adult and focuses on traditional folk dances passed down through generations.

Vykrutas is known for organizing the annual “BRAVO!” event, which brings together over 100 dancers from various ensembles in Alberta. Since 2022, it has also been a charity event to raise funds for war victims in Ukraine, which has raised over $22,000.

Calgary Hopak Ensemble

Calgary Hopak is a family-oriented secular organization offering programs for anyone interested in celebrating Ukrainian heritage. The cultural season runs from September to early May.

Calgary Hopak class schedule:

  • Thursday 6:00-6:45 p.m.: Boys and girls ages 4-6
  • Thursday 6:30-7:45 p.m.: Girls ages 7-15

Classes are held at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in southwest Calgary (3316 28th Ave SW). The AUUC annual membership fee is $48.

Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre

Suzirya, meaning “constellation of many stars,” was founded in 2004 under the direction of Sergei Makarov. The organization specializes in combining ballet and traditional folk dance.

Suzirya focuses on professional-level performances and tours regularly around the world. The group performs actively at local events, city events, and private functions, making them one of the most visible Ukrainian groups in Calgary.

Choirs and music groups

Calgary Pereveslo Ukrainian Choir

The Pereveslo Choir was founded by Kateryna Saxon and like-minded individuals at the beginning of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The idea was to bring Ukrainian culture to Canadian society and promote Ukrainian songs through charity concerts.

Pereveslo actively participates in social events and helps raise awareness about the cruelty of war and the needs of people who have left their homeland. The choir has created a large-scale project called “Stefania,” a video of which is available on YouTube.

The choir members call themselves “pereveslyany,” which in Ukrainian means “those who belong to Pereveslo.” For many members, the choir has become a family and a center for cultural gatherings.

Church choirs

Ukrainian churches in Calgary have active choirs that welcome new members:

St. Vladimir's Church Address: 404 Meredith Road NE Phone: 403-264-3437 Choir director: Greg Syrnyk

St. Stephen the First Martyr Church Address: 4903 45th Street SW Phone: 403-249-4818

Calgary Hopak Orchestra

The Calgary Hopak Orchestra rehearses on Monday evenings during the cultural season (September-May). The orchestra provides accompaniment for a Ukrainian dance school and an adult dance troupe.

Requirements for participation in the orchestra:

  • Age: 16 years and older
  • Skills: Ability to read music
  • Instrument: Own instrument (mandocello, violin, flute, mandobass, accordion, piano)

Rehearsals: Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in southwest Calgary.

Korinnya Folk Choir

The Ukrainian folk choir Korinnya has been performing since 1994 and consists of members of the Calgary Ukrainian community. The choir includes the Korinnya orchestra and performs a wide repertoire of Ukrainian folk songs.

Korinnya choir members:

  • Soprano: 7 members
  • Alto: 7 members
  • Tenor: 4 members
  • Bass: 5 members

Musicians: Accordion, violin, bass, guitar, torba, whistles, tambourine

Bandura lessons

Iryna Kalynovych

Calgary has a unique opportunity to learn to play the bandura from professional teacher Iryna (Melnik) Kalynovych. Iryna has a professional education in bandura and is ready to work with children and adults, beginners and experienced musicians.

Contact

  • Phone: 403-926-4425
  • Location: Cochrane, Alberta (near Calgary)
  • Schedule: Evening and weekend lessons

Iryna is known for her performances at the Calgary Ukrainian Carol Festival, where she performed her favorite lullaby, “Sleep, Little Jesus.” She also actively performs at various events in Calgary, including concerts in libraries and cultural centers.

Bandura School of St. Demetrius (Toronto)

Although not a Calgary organization, the St. Demetrius Bandura School in Toronto offers structured bandura training programs that can serve as a model. The school has been operating since 1983 and teaches students from age 8 to adults.

Registration procedures and fees

General registration principles

Most Ukrainian dance organizations in Calgary open registration in September. The dance season usually runs from September to June, with a break for summer vacation.

Program fees

Calgary Hopak Ensemble:

  • AUUC annual membership fee: $48
  • Costumes are available for rent for a small annual fee

Other organizations set their own rates, which vary depending on the level of training, number of hours of classes, and additional services. For accurate information on costs, please contact each organization directly.

Discount system

  • Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society offers a discount system for tuition. Details of the discount program can be obtained by contacting the organization's registrar.
  • Calgary Hopak offers discounts on a case-by-case basis. Discounts on membership and programs for families with multiple children are also available.

Features for Newly Arrived Ukrainians

Adaptation Programs

Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society actively supports Ukrainian refugees, accepting over 50 Ukrainian refugee children into its programs free of charge. Olena Bragina, a dance instructor from Zaporizhia, now works at Tryzub and helps newly arrived children adapt.

Many new students are experiencing traditional Ukrainian dance for the first time, as it was not available in Ukraine due to the war. John Stadnik, director of Tryzub, notes the tremendous sense of pride among newcomers when they hear that Canadians are preserving Ukrainian traditions.

Special conditions

Tryzub offers special CUAET (Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) rates for summer camps:

  • Early registration (before June 9): $100
  • After June 9: $150

These discounts are significantly lower than the standard rates ($250-300), making the programs affordable for newly arrived families.

Contact information and practical tips

Key contacts

  • Ukrainian Congress of Canada - Calgary Branch: Address: 409 9th Avenue NE Phone: 403-276-1835 Email: [email protected]

  • Ukrainian Cultural Centre: Address: 3316 28th Ave SW Phone: 403-246-1231

  • St. Vladimir's Church: Address: 404 Meredith Road NE Phone: 403-264-3437

Tips for beginners

  • No experience necessary to get started: Most organizations welcome beginners and offer programs for all skill levels. As Tryzub's motto says, “You don't have to be amazing to start, but you have to start to be amazing.”
  • Costumes and equipment: Most organizations provide costumes for rent at an additional cost. For your first few classes, athletic clothing and flat shoes are recommended.
  • Level assessment: Many schools conduct assessments on the first day of class to determine the appropriate level. This is not an audition, but a positive experience to ensure that students are placed in the right class.

Performance and development opportunities

Regular concerts and festivals

All dance and choir groups in Calgary have numerous performance opportunities:

  • Calgary Ukrainian Festival (June): The largest Ukrainian cultural event in the city with two stages (Kyiv and Lviv).
  • Ukrainian Independence Day (August 24): Annual celebration at Ukrainian Pioneer Park.
  • Winter concerts and Christmas festivals: Most organizations hold holiday programs in December.

Professional development

The best students have the opportunity to join professional ensembles:

  • Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble: “The gold standard of Ukrainian dance in Southern Alberta”
  • Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre: A professional company that tours internationally
  • Participation in international festivals: Calgary groups regularly participate in festivals across Canada and abroad.

Conclusions and recommendations

Calgary offers exceptionally rich opportunities to get involved in Ukrainian dance and choir groups. Over 30 organizations provide programs for all age groups and experience levels, from 3-year-olds to adults.

Key benefits of participating in Ukrainian cultural organizations in Calgary:

  • Preservation and development of Ukrainian cultural heritage
  • Opportunities for socialization and forming new friendships
  • Professional training from experienced instructors
  • Regular performances and participation in prestigious festivals
  • Special support for newcomers

To get started, we recommend:

  • Contact your chosen organization in August-September for registration information
  • Attend a “first day” or “trial class” offered by most organizations
  • Prepare sportswear and shoes for your first class
  • Check for discounts or special programs
  • Be prepared for a warm welcome from the Ukrainian cultural community in Calgary

The Ukrainian cultural community in Calgary is open to anyone who wishes to join in the preservation and development of Ukrainian heritage through dance and music. Regardless of age, experience, or background, everyone will find their place in one of the city's many organizations.