SCHOOL OF DANCE

Selkirk & District Ukrainian School of Dance Inc. was formed in 1971 under the leadership of the late Mary Slogan. There were just 34 students and three instructors who practised out of Holy Eucharist Hall in Selkirk.

In 1979, from Selkirk & District Ukrainian Dance School Inc., a senior group evolved and later became their own organization. They are known as Troyanda, meaning "rose." This group performs publicly and has travelled extensively, including to:

• Disney World

• New York

• Ukraine

• Croatia

• Vegreville, Alberta

In 1985, Junior Troyanda was formed within the school. This group was later named Fialka meaning "violet." Fialka dancers are ages 14 through 18. This group has performed locally within Manitoba including various malankas, festivals, and competitions as well as Folklorama. They have also travelled to Edmonton and the United States and had the honour of performing in Orlando, Florida, at Magic Kingdom. 

The school and its dancers continue to seek opportunities to perform outside their regular events. The opportunity to perform and travel is a wonderful experience for Selkirk & District dancers that creates lasting memories of their youth. 

With the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the school in 2007, Selkirk & District underwent a name change to Selkirk Zorya Ukrainian School of Dance. 

In 2013, Selkirk Zorya Ukrainian School of Dance decided to change the name back to Selkirk & District Ukrainian Dance School to celebrate the history and founders of the school.

Today, the school strives to continue the preservation of Ukrainian culture through dance, music, costuming, and storytelling while maintaining an element of fun in the classes. It is the school’s hope to inspire students to love Ukrainian culture.