Friendship

Druzhba, meaning ‘friendship’ in Ukrainian, brings together enthusiastic dancers from different backgrounds to promote the art of Ukrainian dance and culture in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and beyond.

About Us

Performance Schedule

Folklorama - Kyiv Pavilion
Fri, Aug 09
Winnipeg
Aug 09, 2024, 6:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. CDT
Winnipeg, 1330 Jefferson Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2P 1L3, Canada
Aug 09, 2024, 6:45 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. CDT
Winnipeg, 1330 Jefferson Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2P 1L3, Canada
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Gardenton Ukrainian & Multicultural Festival
Sat, Jul 13
Gardenton
Jul 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. CDT
Gardenton, Gardenton, MB R0A 0M0, Canada
Jul 13, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m. CDT
Gardenton, Gardenton, MB R0A 0M0, Canada
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Feast of Nations - University of North Dakota
Sat, Mar 23
Alerus Centre
Mar 23, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Alerus Centre, 1200 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
Mar 23, 2024, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Alerus Centre, 1200 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201, USA
Feast of Nations is an annual event celebrating culture and showcasing diversity from around the world.
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Malanka
Sat, Feb 03
Fraserwood Hall
Feb 03, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CST – Feb 04, 2024, 1:00 a.m. CST
Fraserwood Hall, 10140 PR 231, Fraserwood, MB R0C 1A0, Canada
Feb 03, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CST – Feb 04, 2024, 1:00 a.m. CST
Fraserwood Hall, 10140 PR 231, Fraserwood, MB R0C 1A0, Canada
Gimli Barvinok Ukrainian Dancers Inc. host a Malanka!
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Sloohai Anniversary
Fri, Oct 27
Petrus Hall
Oct 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m. CDT – Oct 28, 2023, 1:00 a.m. CDT
Petrus Hall, 2624 Inkster Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2W 3W1, Canada
Oct 27, 2023, 5:30 p.m. CDT – Oct 28, 2023, 1:00 a.m. CDT
Petrus Hall, 2624 Inkster Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R2W 3W1, Canada
Performing Hopak at Sloohai's 20th Anniversary social.
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Palliative Manitoba Ruby Anniversary Gala
Thu, Oct 26
Viscount Gort
Oct 26, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CDT
Viscount Gort, 1670 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0C9, Canada
Oct 26, 2023, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. CDT
Viscount Gort, 1670 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0C9, Canada
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As the summer comes to a close, we’d like to share one of our favourite memories from this past season!

On May 25th, 2024, we had the honour and pleasure of dancing for and being present to witness current Druzhba Ensemble member, Dawson and his new wife Jaymie exchange vows of love and commitment.💍

We’re so grateful to have been able to celebrate with them on their wedding day. We wish the lovely couple a heartfelt congratulations, and may their marriage be blessed with joy, laughter, and many beautiful memories for all of the years of their lives!🩷

З Днем Незалежності Рідненька Україно🩵💛

Today, we honor the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of Ukraine and its people. As we celebrate our independence, we remember the struggles of the past and stand united in hope for a brighter future. Proud to carry the strength of our ancestors in our hearts and to be part of a culture that will always rise. Слава Україні! 🇺🇦

#independenceday #ukrainestrong #славаукраїні #standwithukraine #proud #love #peace #ukraine

Folklorama’s in the books!

A big thank you to @kyivpavilion for having us grace your stage on Friday. We’re so grateful that we got to put our culture on display with so many other talented performers!

And of course a big thank you to the amazing crowds at all three shows that decided to join us for the evening and make the Kyiv Pavilion a part of their Folklorama experience. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible through hard work and dedication.

@folklorama #ukrainiandance #winnipeglocal #folklorama #ukraine #folklorama2024

Get ready to experience the electrifying energy of Druzhba’s Hopak! 🇺🇦 Join us this Friday at the Kyiv Pavilion for Folklorama and witness the thrilling moves of this traditional Ukrainian dance. Catch us at one of the three shows and encores to be part of the excitement! 💃🕺

*View our last post for show information*

#kyivpavilion #hopak #ukraine #culture #folklorama #dance

💛Folklorama, here we come!!🩵

We are excited to announce that we are returning to the Ukraine-Kyiv Pavilion this Friday to perform, alongside Selkirk District School of Dance & Sopilka, and the Young Men of Koshetz.

Pavilion show times are 6:45pm, 8:15pm, and 9:45pm @ Maples Collegiate (1330 Jefferson Ave)

We hope that you’ll come and join us for an exciting experience of our culture; full of dancing, music, food, and more!🇺🇦

@kyivpavilion @folklorama @sdukrainiandance @sopilkawpg @o.koshetzchoirwpg
#winnipeglocal #folklorama2024 #ukrainiandance

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of performing at the Hotel Fort Garry for a special gala event!🥂
It’s always a pleasure for us to showcase our passion with welcoming crowds and fellow performers who are likewise sharing their stories and culture with us🌎

#winnipeglocal #ukrainiandance #fortgarryhotel #dance

Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦

Today we celebrate the birth of our country, and reflect on our shared history and achievements. Let’s enjoy the festivities and look forward to a bright future. Wishing everyone a joyful and memorable Canada Day!

This Father’s Day, we celebrate the strength, wisdom, and dedication of all fathers. To the pillars of our families and our team, your guidance and support inspire us every day. Thank you for embodying the values of love, leadership, and resilience.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, whether they’re with us or watching over us from above.🩵

🚨Auditions!🚨

We are just less than a week away from auditions!

If you’re looking for a place to push for excellence alongside your peers in dance or just curious about Druzhba Ensemble, our doors are open to you Monday, June 10th @ 1301 Admiral Ave. Registration is at 7:30pm.

Come and make new memories with us!💫

☀️Druzhba Spring 2024 Auditions!☀️

If you are interested in finding out more about Druzhba and joining our ensemble, now is your chance!
We’d like to welcome dancers to come out and join us for auditions on Monday, June 10th.

Open to all dancers 16+

Feel free to email or message us if you have any questions! (Links are in our bio!)

Characterized by intricate patterns, often in vibrant colours with each region having its own unique styles and motifs, the Ukrainian vyshyvanka is a traditional embroidered shirt that holds deep cultural and historical significance. These shirts are more than just garments; they symbolize our national pride and identity. Each piece often inspired by nature, mythology, and folklore, therefore making every vyshyvanka a distinct piece of art.

3 днем вишиванки!
Happy Vyshyvanka Day🩵💛🪡

We’d like to extend our gratitude to the people who‘s selfless care and kindness help make our world turn!
We wish all the wonderful mothers a day filled with love, laughter, and appreciation. Your strength and unconditional love inspire us every day!

Happy Mother’s Day!🩷🌷

Today, Druzhba wants to share with dancers around the world the joy and celebration of International Dance Day!

We celebrate the universal language of dance, which communicates emotions, stories, and traditions through the synchronicity of movement and music.

Dance embodies the beauty of human expression, weaving together grace, rhythm, and emotion into captivating performances, while touching hearts and souls in a way that words alone cannot.🌹❤️

#dance #dancercommunity #art #danceculture #internationaldanceday

Druzhba wishes you a joyful Easter filled with love, laughter, and the blessings of springtime! Let’s celebrate this beautiful season of renewal and hope, cherishing traditions and embracing the warmth of family and friends. 🐰🌷May your Easter be as bright and colorful as the pysanky eggs, and may your heart be as light as the sweet aroma of freshly baked paska bread.

Sending warm wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity to all! Христос Воскрес! 🇺🇦🕊️🤍

#UkrainianEaster #EasterTraditions #Spring #Pysanky #Paska #CelebrationOfLife #Easter

Yesterday, Druzhba had the pleasure of travelling out to Grand Forks to perform and share the stage with other incredible performers for the University of North Dakota’s 62nd annual Feast of Nations event hosted at the Alerus Center!
We were proud to express our heritage and grateful to be apart of the beautiful kaleidoscope of culture; Peoples who are passionate about their background and love to see the beauty of other cultures❤️

Thank you @uofnorthdakota @undintlorg @aleruscenter @folklorama for having us and the opportunity to represent our country and its folk dance in this year’s event.

#feastofnations2024 #und #ukrainiandance #aleruscenter #feastofnations

Happy International Women’s Day 🩷🌷

Our stage would feel empty without the elegancy and beauty of women in Ukrainian dance. Today we share this special day with every woman around the world, as we are strong, powerful, and unstoppable together!

#internationalwomensday #dance #women #beautiful #strong #powerful #unstoppable #Ukrainian

Last December, our alumnus Brooklyn and her now-husband Winston both said “I do,” and we had the most wonderful experience getting to share in the joy of this day by performing Hopak and celebrating with the newlyweds!

Brooklyn danced with Druzhba since our very first round of auditions. She stood tall in the ensemble through the passion and love she showed for her heritage and her friends in Druzhba. Her favourite region to dance was Bukovyna; “I love the energy put into this dance. It’s so upbeat and sassy which makes it so much fun to perform!” Brooklyn performed with us at CNUF, Folklorama Kyiv pavilion, and other performances alike.

We want to say congratulations and send our best wishes to Brooklyn and Winston as you enter this new chapter and may the years ahead be filled with lasting love and happiness together!

Love, Druzhba❤️

Can you relate to these ladies?!

Let us know! And leave a comment about something you think all Ukrainian dancers can relate to.🩵💛

💃 @tylerbuternowsky
💃 @nadia__c_
💃 @olivia.woloshyn
💃 @jeannine_brandt

#ukrainiandancers #dancers #funpost #ukrainian #joinus #trending #druzhbadancers

In Ukrainian dance, one of the ways we express our love for the art and culture, our fellow ensemble members, and our audience is through high and graceful jumps!

Here are some of our amazing dancers showcasing the energetic leaps they do in some tricks and turns!

Happy Valentine’s day from us at Druzhba!💘

We hope your day is filled with family, friends and happy moments that become favorite memories!

This photo was taken by @walt_ahyone during Druzhba’s recent performance. We want to thank @walt_ahyone for capturing the beautiful elements of our Hopak ladies costume. This photo encapsulates and places an emphasis on the vibrant colours of the embroidery along the sleeves of the blouse, as well as capturing every detail from the headpiece coming all the way down to the bottom of the costume. This specific costume is recognized for it’s eye catching vibrancy and beauty within Ukrainian dance culture and costume. 💙💛

📸: @walt_ahyone
💃: @marta_tkaczyk

On January 19th, 2024 Druzhba Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was a part of a cultural showcase organized through the University of Winnipeg held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Collaborative events like these provide a platform for different cultural groups to come together, share their traditions, and promotes cross-cultural understanding. Being able to connect and share the stage with other ensembles and individuals create a rich, diverse performance and experience.

Thank you!

Meet Raphael!

Raphael Malo has been dancing for seven years. His passion for dance began as he “saw the fire in the audience’s eyes and the energy I felt from my fellow dancers”. Raphael’s favourite dance moment was attending Rusalka’s Ukrainian Dance Camp, as it was his first experience sharing the same desires and intensity for dance as he had felt.

His favourite region to dance is Central as it involves “partner work and being able to receive energy from the crowd and sharing that experience with my partner”.

#meetthedancer #dancer #druzhbadancer #ukrainiandancer #solo

Meet Spencer!

Spencer Smith have been dancing for two years. His passion for the art started through the encouragement of friends who began teaching him the basics of dance. He began to enjoy Ukrainian dance as he quickly became a part of the community, making connections with dancers across Winnipeg. Spencer’s favourite dance moment was “performing this past summer at the Gardenton Festival and Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival”.

His favourite region to dance is Central because of the various formations and movements done across the stage with big, explosive solos.

#meetthedancer #dancer #druzhbadancer #ukrainiandancer

This winter was Druzhba’s first time carolling as an ensemble!

Thank you to everyone that was kind enough to have us in your homes for the hospitality and warm welcomes; it was a pleasure for us to be able to share the joy of Christmas and community with everyone!

Happy New Year!!🎉

We’re so happy to be going into our 2nd year of being an ensemble, and we wish everyone all the best going into 2024!
May this new year be full of love, happiness, family, and friends!

Христос Рождається!
Us at Druzhba want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!🎄💝
May your holidays be filled with joy and cheer!

Meet McHale!

McHale Riley has been dancing for 16 years. He was put into dance at a young age because it was something he thoroughly enjoyed and felt he excelled at. McHale’s favourite dance memories are ones at competitions where he gained positive feedback from the judges and audience members.
His favorite region to dance when he is in the mood to stamp would be the Bukovyna region. He enjoys dancing the Central regions when he is in the mood to move with the upbeat music.

#meetthedancers #dancer #druzhbadancer #ukrainiandancer

Meet Jeannine!

Jeannine Brandt has been dancing for 13 years. She was put into dance at a young age as she would be compulsively dancing around the house, at parties, etc. Her parents knew she needed an outlet. Jeannine was put into hiphop dance, which she felt was funny in hindsight because it’s so opposite from her personality. A couple years later she discovered her local Ukrainian dance group and fell in love with the joy and energy. Even though she contemplated quitting at times because of the dance politics, she kept going because she just had to. “Dance got me through some really tough times, and I needed it.”

Jeannine’s favourite dance memory was dancing at Folklorama, particularly the year before she went to college. “I remember finishing my favorite dance, Karichka, and being so happy that I cried on stage (invisibly of course). My heart was so full.”

She loves the Bukovyna region because the music is so intense and often in a minor key, as well as the Central region because it’s often so feminine and graceful.

#meetthedancers #dancer #druzhbadancer #ukrainiandancer

In the year 1923-33, Ukraine was attacked and starved in an attempt to destroy the nation and its people and to erase its culture. It is with solemn hearts that we remember the man-made famine that hurt and killed millions of innocent Ukrainians.
But Ukrainian culture wasn’t destroyed, the people persevered, and we honor the strength and heart of our nation during this genocide.

May the memory of the victims be eternal.
Вічная Пам’ять.🕯️

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Friendship

Performance Schedule

Follow us on Instagram @druzhba_ukrainian_dancers

Contact Us

Friendship

Performance Schedule

​

Follow us on Instagram @druzhba_ukrainian_dancers

Contact Us