By Kathleen Michalchuk
Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group is proud to present its second annual Spotlight on Chaban on Saturday, October 19 at the Slovak Legion, 801 Atlantic Ave. The dinner-dance fundraising evening features a Ukrainian-themed buffet, performances by Chaban Ukrainian dancers, an appearance by the Thunder Bay Legends tribute group, the popular Pysanka Panic, and an impressive silent auction.
This year, the Thunder Bay Legends bring Neil Diamond and Abba to the “Spotlight” stage for an entertaining evening. In addition, Chaban’s youth dancers will start the evening with a pre-dinner performance of regional dances with traditional and contemporary styling and costumes. Chaban’s ensemble will perform the always-popular Hopak and then participate in the highly anticipated Pysanka Panic event—look for yellow and blue coloured eggs in your basket.
Chaban Ukrainian Dance Group has been a part of Thunder Bay’s history for over 30 years. The Group consists of more than 100 dancers, ages four and up. In August, several of the group’s dancers and family members participated in a successful performing tour in Ukraine—the second such tour in seven years. Chaban has also performed to standing ovations in Costa del Sol, Spain, DisneyWorld, and Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba. The truly amazing success of the organization is due to the endless volunteer hours of our teachers, executive and families, as well as community support. “Our goal for this event is (to raise) $5000 and to have a sellout crowd of 250 people,” says Chaban fundraising committee chair Kelly Brunwin-Harding. “It will be an exhilarating evening with something for everyone.”
Tickets are available at the Slovak Legion Catering Office, 623-3354.
