Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers
The Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers marked their 50th anniversary with Zirka at 50: Stars in Their Eyes, a short documentary film honouring the group’s rich history and cultural legacy. The Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers (registered in 1979) was founded as the Calmar School of Ukrainian Dance in 1976 by a handful of visionary families interested in maintaining their Ukrainian heritage and culture through dance. Over the years, Zirka has been home to more than 750 dancers from Calmar and the surrounding communities of Thorsby, Warburg, Leduc, Devon, Beaumont, Millet, Drayton Valley, and Edmonton. Produced by Steven Brese of Legacy Films, the documentary explores Zirka’s enduring legacy and the strong cultural and community connections that have shaped the organization over the past fifty years and the passion that will carry it into the future.
Volunteer Highlights
Marie Glubish
In 1976, Marie Glubish of Calmar put an ad in the newspaper to see if there would be any interest in starting a Ukrainian dance group in Calmar. Marie had moved to the Calmar area when she married Alex Glubish in 1969. Having grown up in Edmonton, Marie had seen different Ukrainian dance groups over the years and thought it would be a good fit for Calmar. The response from that one newspaper ad was overwhelming, and a committee was soon formed to help with organizing the group, finding rehearsal space, hiring instructors, etc. Over the years, Marie has seen both of her children (Darren and Shelley) and all of her grandchildren (Alexa, Colten, Megan, and Grayson) dance in Zirka. It is incredible to Marie that one simple idea 50 years ago has turned into a legacy not only for her family, but for all of the families involved, as well as the town of Calmar and the surrounding communities.
Carol Hayduk
"A JOURNEY WITH THE ALBERTA ZIRKA PERFORMERS ASSOCIATION" By Carol Hayduk
In September of 1976, the parents of 32 families met to accept the formation of the Calmar School of Ukrainian Dancing with instructors, Sue Feschuk and Steve Koper. I was president that year. The students, ages 6 to 12, were divided into two groups of 20. On November 10, 1977, the organization was incorporated by the Societies Registrar of Alberta. This allowed us, as a non-profit group, to be one of twelve who could work bingos in the Rapid Bingo Association, and later with the AGLC (casinos).
The dance practices were held weekly at the Calmar High School gym while parents used the staff room. Word quickly spread, and by 1979, numerous students from surrounding communities and Edmonton, raised the number of dancers to sixty. In 1986, 126 dancers registered, with the senior group numbering twenty four (16 girls & boys). To include all dancers, the registered name was changed to the Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers.
In 1978, Milton (Mel) Tkachuk became president. He drove for the bus line, Bi-West and made connections with various towns’ offices to see about dancing for events. We arranged for the dancers to travel by bus which kept them safely together, with room for the costumes, and sometimes sleeping and overnight bags. At some places, we used school gym floors overnight. Zirka wisely invested engagement funds which paid for a portable stage, a mat floor covering, a costume van and eventually the purchase of present Zirka Hall in 2005.
To build our repertoire of dances, the instructors introduced new dances from various regions of Ukraine. This meant researching the appropriate costumes. The club decided that the Central and Hutsul costumes were the responsibility of each family, with guidance from a costume committee. All other regional costumes would remain in the Zirka organization for future dancers. The Transcarpathian costume was researched by couturier and seamstress Katherine (Sikora) Thomas, a Zirka parent. It was and is marvelled at by other groups. Lukaia Sturko did the beadwork on Volyn vests and made Hutsul jackets for the boys. Donna Sendziak, a charter member, and later her daughter, Patricia, continued to search for appropriate fabrics, measure dancers and give instructions to parents willing to help meet dance deadlines.
In 1985, the Alberta Zirka logo designed by Karen Hayduk and Morris Kadylo was adopted by the group.
The Town of Calmar declared Calmar as the ‘Home of Zirka” in 1993 and commissioned a monument which is located by the Zirka Hall.
The dancers were able to contribute time to learn Ukrainian stitching, beaded necklaces and perogy. With parental help, funds were raised for trips. Zirka encouraged talented students to learn song, and creative arts to add to our stature. Tanya (Chrapko) Charette opened our concerts with the anthems.
Our instructors collaborated with other teachers for the huge performances of Festival ’88 (1000 years of Christianity in Ukraine) and the World Dance Festival held in Drummondville in 1991. A favorite venue was Banff Canada Day which was attended in 1992 and subsequent years and the Pysanka Festival in Vegreville.
Through the fifty years of operation, I served as president, treasurer, bookings co-ordinator, program designer, bingo co-ordinator, grants officer, historian, trip co-ordinator and chaperone. It has been a wonderful experience to see the dancers, including my six children and five grandchildren, experience the lifelong friendships made in this organization.
Larry Sendiak
Founding Volunteer, Zirka Ukrainian Performers
Larry Sendziak is a founding member and longtime volunteer of Zirka Ukrainian Performers in Calmar, Alberta. Together with his wife Donna, Larry has been involved with the group since its creation in 1976 and remained active for approximately 45 years.
His extensive behind-the-scenes contributions include building the Zirka mobile dance stage in 1982 and handling its setup, teardown, and storage for decades of performances. He also drove the Zirka Costume Van (purchased in 1986), transporting costumes across Western Canada to major events such as Expo 86 in Vancouver, BC; Dauphin, MB; North Battleford and Saskatoon, SK; Grande Prairie, Vermilion, and the Ukrainian Cultural Village in Alberta. Larry played a key role in the renovations of the Zirka Dance Hall following its purchase in 2002 and was a reliable presence at countless fundraising events, whether manning the BBQ at Calmar Days or volunteering at the Rapid Bingo Hall in Leduc.
The Sendziak family’s commitment to Zirka spans three generations. All three of their children — Michael (11 years), Patricia (2 years), and Nathania (18 years) — danced with the group. Two grandchildren have continued the tradition: Nicole Gruber (22 years) and Eric Gruber (7 years). Their son-in-law, Ian Gruber, generously volunteered as Zirka’s President for six years and Concert Program Designer for 22 years.
Larry’s dedication, practical skills, and quiet leadership have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire new generations of dancers and volunteers in Alberta’s Ukrainian community.
Donna Sendziak
Founding Volunteer, Zirka Ukrainian Performers
Donna Sendziak is a founding member and longtime volunteer of Zirka Ukrainian Performers in Calmar, Alberta. Together with her husband Larry, Donna has been involved with the group since its creation in 1976 and remained active for nearly 50 years.
A driving force behind the group’s artistic excellence, Donna’s contributions include extensive costume research and design representing numerous Ukrainian regions (Volyn, Buko, Polissian, Lashky, Transcarpathian, Boiko, Pokuttian, Hutsul, Poltava, and Lyrical/Gypsy styles). She has handled costume fitting and alterations, created accessories (shoes, headpieces, and jewelry), and travelled to Ukraine as part of the Lashky Concert research trip in 2009. Donna has also provided invaluable on-site support for dancers and parents at dozens of competitions and performances across Canada.
The Sendziak family’s involvement with Zirka is truly multi-generational. All three of their children — Michael (11 years), Patricia (3 years), and Nathania (18 years) — performed with the ensemble. Grandchildren Nicole Gruber (22 years) and Eric Gruber (7 years) have continued the tradition on stage, while son-in-law Ian Gruber served as President for six years and Concert Program Designer for 22 years. Their daughter Patricia Gruber has carried on her mother’s legacy as Costume Coordinator since 2003 (23 years).
Through her creativity, perseverance, and deep commitment to Ukrainian culture, Donna has been central to Zirka’s growth and its role as a beloved ambassador of Ukrainian dance in Alberta. Her enduring passion ensures that the joy of Ukrainian performing arts will shine for many years to come.
Patricia (Sendziak) Gruber
Costume Coordinator & longtime Volunteer, Zirka Ukrainian Performers
Patricia (Sendziak) Gruber is a dedicated second-generation volunteer and former dancer with Zirka Ukrainian Performers in Calmar, Alberta. The daughter of founding members Larry and Donna Sendziak, Patricia danced with the group for three years before transitioning into a vital behind-the-scenes role.
Since 2003, Patricia has served as Zirka’s Costume Coordinator for 23 years. Following in her mother Donna’s footsteps, she has maintained and expanded the group’s extensive costume collection with care and expertise. Her responsibilities include costume organization, repairs, fittings, alterations, and ensuring dancers are properly outfitted for performances and competitions across Canada. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity have helped preserve the high standard of Ukrainian costuming that has become a hallmark of Zirka.
Patricia’s family involvement with Zirka spans three generations. She is married to Ian Gruber, who contributed 22 years as Concert Program Designer and six years as Zirka’s President. Together they have watched their children continue the family tradition: daughter Nicole Gruber danced for 22 years and son Eric Gruber danced for 7 years. Patricia’s parents, Larry and Donna, along with her siblings Michael and Nathania, further strengthen this deep multi-generational connection to the group.
Through her quiet dedication and continuity of family legacy, Patricia has played an essential role in sustaining Zirka’s artistic excellence. Her long-term commitment ensures that the beauty and tradition of Ukrainian dance continue to thrive in Alberta’s Ukrainian community.
Instructor Highlights
Sue Feschuk Orlecki: 1976- 1991
Sue Feschuk Orlecki was Zirka’s first dance instructor and the instructor who held the longest tenure with the group. Sue answered the ad placed in the newspaper by Marie Glubish, seeking out an instructor to teach Ukrainian dancing in Calmar. She was only sixteen years old at the time and had to get her driving license so she could get to Calmar. Sue was performing with the Cheremosh Dancers when she started teaching the Calmar School of Dance. Her knowledge of the Poltava, Hutzel, Bukovinia, Transcarpathian and Volyn was passed on to her dancers throughout her fifteen years with Zirka.
The following was written by Sue and was shared with the audience at Zirka’s 50th anniversary celebration.
I am so honored to have been part of the Zirka family and I am proud to see that the love of Ukrainian dance has continued over the years.
I have so many precious memories associated with the Zirka organization - it was a very special part of my life for a very long time. We had a ton of fun, made some incredible friendships, and had some enormous successes that I still think about today….lots of special people, and lots of special moments.
- First of all, Steve, Morris, Chris (also early instructors with the organization) and I have to say a special thank you to the parents. We had a special bond with the parents – they helped us a lot, probably because we were so young ourselves. The parents were so amazing - super supportive of everything we wanted to do, always making sure everything was in order, always taking care of schedules, competitions, and other bookings, always taking care of hair, make-up, costumes, and emergency repairs, and always taking care of the instructors with before/after and sometimes weekend rehearsal lunches - thank you so much!
- I remember Zirka being true contenders at all the dance competitions. The competitions were fierce, but our dancers were incredibly talented, and we ALWAYS held our own in every age category. One of my fondest memories (aside from always beating George’s dance group) was being disqualified in the Vegreville Pasanka dance competition. We knew going in that we would be disqualified because we refused to limit the number of dancers and compromise our choreography. We talked about not entering but as a group decided to dance regardless. No one in the arena that day could understand why we did not win and why we cheered super loud when we were disqualified. We were not perplexed at all - we all knew exactly who the winner was!
- I also remember when Zirka danced at my wedding – George and I will never forget how special that was as well!
The love of dance never goes away if you feel it in your heart. I used to talk to the dancers about not just dancing but feeling the overwhelming joy of being on stage and feeling the joy of dance. There is absolutely nothing like waiting to go on stage and feeling the incredible joy when the music starts and your heart pounds and your feet just start moving because they already know what to do. There is nothing like the special excitement, having a real smile, and having a sparkle in your eyes because you absolutely love the moment and absolutely love being in the moment. So happy the alumni dancers have the opportunity to experience this joy once again.
I went to the alumni rehearsal a couple of weeks ago and it was so great to see all my ‘kids’. It was an emotional day and I felt so honored that some of the older choreography and the Ribbon dance was included in the special alumni dances. The Ribbon dance was always one of my favorites and is definitely a keeper to this day. I also saw the little ones dance and was impressed that the quality of choreography and intricacies of the steps remain true. Over the years I have been to various dance recitals where the 4 year olds are literally standing and pointing their toe from side to side. That was never the case with our 4 year old Zirka Turtles – our Turtles (cherepakha) could dance!! (sometimes only towards me – but who cared if they faced sideways when their little feet were just going and they had the biggest happiest smiles on their faces).
Being part of Zirka was more than just dance to me. I am so proud of our dancers – then and now, and I am so thankful for the wonderful friendships and happy memories.
David Ganert
Artistic Director, Choreographer, Instructor, Dancer & Alumnus
David Ganert has been involved in Ukrainian dance for 46 years. He was a dancer with Alberta Zirka for 10 years, 1980-1991, before becoming a professional dancer and director with the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers for 25 years. In that time with Shumka, his roles included being a Dancer, Resident Choreographer, Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director. He returned to Zirka to direct and instruct the group for 7 years, 2014-2020, and then again had the privilege to direct and choreograph the 50th Anniversary Alumni presentation called, Touchstones of Tradition: 50 Years of Golden Performance.
Ukrainian dance encompasses a rich tapestry of customs, rituals and cultural practices that reflect the country’s history, traditions and values. It is the preservation of Ukrainian customs through the arts, music and dance that has become an important component of the conservation and protection of the Ukrainian culture. It is through this common passion and desire, throughout the world, that keeps Ukrainian dance alive. Not only to preserve the past but to also grow the culture through innovative stories, educating audiences and keeping the foundations alive.
Alberta Zirka has been a pillar of Ukrainian dance for half a century. The one-hour Golden Anniversary performance on Saturday, April 25, 2026 featured 110 alumni with 11 current dancers and highlighted some of Zirka’s most iconic dance pieces of the past 50 years. With new dramatic sequences, memorable choreography and live music of violin virtuoso John Calverly; it was a performance unlike any other.
In Touchstones of Tradition, Dave wanted to connect the future with the past. This was demonstrated by the current Zirka cast performing an adapted version of the very first Ukrainian dance Zirka ever performed and highlighted 8 of the original cast members. Other Ukrainian dance regions such as Hutsulshchyna, Zakarpattia, Volyn, Bukovynian and Central Ukraine along with some other celebrated popular dances like Strichky, Zaporozhits and Ivana Kupala dazzled the 500 audience members in attendance. Almost 800 dancers and 26 instructors have graced the stage with Zirka over the past 50 years and it has been an honor and pleasure to lead this incredible organization artistically.
Dave has always said it is not the dance steps from 1976 nor 2026 that are important. The heart, passion and sense of community and family is what bonded Zirka together in the past and what will continue to fuel Zirka’s legacy towards a shining future.
Milestones
The Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers celebrated their first big milestone—their ten year anniversary (1986)—by hosting a family social in Thorsby, Alberta. The social featured a live band, dinner, and a performance by the dance group, with recorded attendance being over 500 people. This tradition became an annual occurrence and is one of the highlights of every dance season. At the ten year anniversary, Zirka also started a tradition of gifting dancers various medallions (necklaces, watches, rings) when they reach significant milestones with the group. The organization recently had one dancer reach the significant milestone of having danced with the group for 30 years! In 1986, Zirka also performed at the grandstand show at the Vegreville Pysynka Festival. They also travelled by train to Vancouver, where they performed at the Plaza of Nations at Expo ‘86.
In 1988, Zirka was honored to perform along with Shumka and Cheremosh at the Opening Ceremonies at the Coliseum.
In 1991, Zirka’s senior group performed in Drummondville, Quebec at the Drummondville International Folkfest, where they partnered with Dzarko, a dance group from Edmonton and six live musicians. Together, they called themselves “Zustrich” which means a gathering or meeting.
On March 30, 1996, Zirka celebrated their 20th Anniversary with the ‘Generation of Stars’ performance at the Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton, Alberta. Choreographed by Zhenia Bahri, Laurie Bahri & Tamara-Tatuk and emceed by Eugene Zwodesky. The Zirka Alumni performed their Hopak ‘86 choreographed by Sue Feschuk-Orlecki & Morris Kadlyo.
In the summer of 1999, the group travelled to perform at Disneyland.
On June 2, 2001, the group celebrated their 25th Anniversary with a banquet and ‘Shining Stars’ performance in Calmar which which featured the Edmonton Ukrainian Men’s Choir. The Zirka Alumni performed a Regional Kolymenka choreographed by Diane Hayduk, Debbie Hayduk-Lantz and David Hayduk.
In the early 2000’s, the group spent many Canada Day celebrations performing in Banff, Alberta, where they also participated in the Canada Day parade.
On June 2, 2006, Alberta Zirka celebrated their 30th Anniversary in Calmar and the alumni performed a ‘Wedding Kolymenka’ choreographed by Vince Rees and Kim Kolenc. That summer dancers and members went to the Ukraine to discover their roots and take part in dance workshops directed by Vince Rees.
Vincent Rees produced the Lashy Project, which featured traditional dances from areas in Ukraine where many settlers in Calmar originated from. Video montages were produced by Vince and Les Sereda explaining the history of Ukrainian dance culture coming from the origins of Ukraine to Calmar, Alberta. On June 8, 2008, the Lasky Project was performed in Leduc, Alberta with the Zirka Alumni.
In 2009, the group travelled to Ukraine. On this trip, they visited the Lashky region.
On April 16, 2016, the group celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a banquet and performance featuring alumni dancers at the Meridian Banquet Center.
On April 25, 2026, the group celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a sold out concert at the Maclab Center for the Performing Arts in Leduc, Alberta and a sold out banquet at the Calmar Curling Rink. Both events featured a performance that brought together over seventy-five alumni dancers. Various dancers from Zirka’s fifty year history were re-created and brought to the stage. It was especially special to see the original dancers from fifty years ago perform alongside the current children who dance with Zirka.
Media
"Small Town Ukrainian Dance Troupe Defies the Odds to Celebrate 50 Years" - CBC News