“It was instilled in us at an early age, how important our culture was,” Shewchuk said.
At 82 years, the dance school is one of the oldest in Canada, and has almost 100 members.
There was a packed house Sunday afternoon for a performance that featured a professional dance ensemble and children at the early stages of their dance education.
“As they grow up they learn more technique,” Shewchuk said.
While the atmosphere at the Ukrainian National Federation hall was celebratory, Shewchuk said discussions about the political turmoil in Ukraine were the main topic of conversation between attendees.
“Although things seem to be relatively quiet right now for most of our families back there, a lot of families have gone through a lot of turmoil,” she said. “It's been a topic to bring people together this year.”
Shewchuk said most of her extended family is in western Ukraine, and has been shielded somewhat from the country's internal crisis, due to efforts from Russia to annex the eastern portion of the country.
Canada has condemned Russia's actions in Crimea, a portion of eastern Ukraine.