Regina’s Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival honours those fighting, lost in Ukraine

Dancers put their solidarity for those fighting in Ukraine on full display over the weekend during the annual Tavria Ukrainian Dance Festival in Regina.

This past weekend, 600 performances took place by dancers from Ukrainian dance schools across Saskatchewan and Alberta at the Regina Performing Arts Centre.

One trio of young men from Rushnychok Ukrainian Folk Dance based in Saskatoon performed an act called “Shoulder to Shoulder Boys” which was dedicated to those fighting in Ukraine.

“What’s happening in Ukraine, we just thought that this dance would be very good to spread what’s happening there,” said Matt Lacoursiere.

“We just want to make people aware of all the power and courage Ukrainian soldiers have and we want to embody that in our dance and just represent that as best as we can,” added Carson Putz.

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Gabe King also expressed his personal interest in the performance.

“Just standing shoulder to shoulder like brothers, you know like how all of the men and women in Ukraine are fighting in the war right now,” he said.

The various performances aim to celebrate Ukrainian dance and culture, while bringing people from across the Prairies together.

The festival has been going strong for 34 years. The festival’s director, Twyla Mosley-Widger, said the dances showcase cultural expression of Ukrainian roots.

“Our dances are based on region and always have a little bit more of a traditional base,” explained Mosley-Widger. “You’ll notice the traditional costumes and such, which incidentally, all of the Tavria costumes come directly from Ukraine.”

She added that 2026 marked the festival’s biggest post-pandemic turnout.

In recognition of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Mosley-Widger said the event also assists as a fundraiser to help those in the embattled nation.

“We are on the [fourth] year of Russia’s invasion. We do speak about it here and we bring awareness as well,” Mosley-Widger said.

“We have the Ukrainian Patriot. It is fundraising that we do for Ukrainian patriots, and with that money goes to help out the people in Ukraine. Then, of course we celebrate when they can’t and recognize what’s going [on].”