05/12/2026
Vernon stage to host vibrant display of Ukrainian culture and history!
Ukrainian culture on stage
Bowen Assman - May 11, 2026 Castenet
The Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is bringing the Okanagan Ukrainian Festival to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m.
Celebrating 26 years of sharing Ukrainian-Canadian culture, the ensemble will debut a new musical production titled Evolution. Choreographed by artistic director Andrea Malysh, in collaboration with professional contemporary dancer Jamie Malysh, the performance explores the history of the art form from ancient pagan rituals to the modern era.
The festival features a diverse lineup of special guests, including soloist Iryna Viryasova from Edleweiss Music School bandurist Zonia Haydymowsky, violinist Emily Baker, Sadok alumni and others.
Sadok has a long history of international performance, including appearances at Disneyland and several tours in Ukraine. Most recently, they served as guest performers at the Calgary Ukrainian Festival in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to the performance, the event serves a somber purpose as the war in Ukraine continues.
As the war rages on in Ukraine, Ukrainian dance gives us strength to carry on and support our friends and families back in Ukraine," said Malysh. "We dance, when they cannot. We fight war with culture.”
While tickets are on sale now through the Performing Arts Centre, the ensemble will also be accepting donations for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation Humanitarian Aid Fund to support ongoing relief efforts.
Purchase tickets: www.ticketseller.ca