CLASSES
The Rusalka UNF School of Dance strives to provide quality Ukrainian dance instruction as part of the Rusalka Ukrainian dance family. Students are taught following the Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Syllabus, a program of instruction designed to instill solid fundamentals of dance and foster a lifelong love of the art form. Students’ progress through the school to eventually be prepared to audition for a performing ensemble. To help foster this growth, current Rusalka dancers will join the students throughout the year during their regular class to provide feedback and to inspire our students as they learn about Ukrainian dance. Also, students will be provided with numerous performance opportunities throughout the year, including the opportunity to attend festivals both in the city and beyond.
Classes for Rusalka UNF School of Dance are held at UNF Hall (935 Main Street, Winnipeg) for students starting at 4 years of age.
A Registration Package including class placement will be sent out in late August/early September after your child’s age, ability, and experience has been reviewed.
Classes begin Mon. Sept. 16, Wed. Sept. 18, and Sat. Sept. 21
WEDNESDAY CLASSES
Razom - Parent and Child Creative Movement Dance Class
18 months - 3 years of age
Session 1 - September-December
Session 2 - January-April
This is an introductory dance class specifically designed for a child’s first experience on the dance floor. It will take both the student and their caregiver on a magical journey of dance and discovery. In a creative and encouraging environment, the class will captivate the dancer’s imagination and help further develop fine and gross motor skills. Structured activities are balanced with the opportunity for free dance play and movement exploration using songs, games, and props all with a Ukrainian flare. And you get to be right there beside them, as you experience their first dance class together.
Wednesdays 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm
12-week session: $150.00
Creative Movement: Ages 4-5
Creative Movement is the program for our youngest dancers. Children in this class will be introduced to general kinetic movements to enhance the development of coordination and balance. Students will be introduced to rhythm and basic formations and understanding of the stage.
Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuition: $370.00 (Includes $45 costume fee)
Beginner: Ages 6-7
Our Beginner students will be introduced to basic ballet exercises and movements used in Ukrainian dance. Further development on rhythm patterns will occur. Dancers will learn about spacing and be introduced to formation transitions. They will also be introduced to portraying a character on stage. Community performances may be available.
Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuition: $370.00 (Includes $45 costume fee)
Junior: Ages 8-9
Students in our Junior program are continuing to build on the skills learned in the Beginner level. Fun and exciting dances will be taught. Dancers will be exposed to additional regions and styles of Ukrainian dance. Community performances will be available and there may be the opportunity to attend Festivals.
Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tuition: $370.00 (Includes $45 costume fee)
Intermediate: Ages 10-11
Intermediate students will be challenged by beginning to develop solos and tricks. The dancers will explore more advanced choreography and regions. Developing and encouraging confidence on stage will be emphasized with performance opportunities and festivals.
Wednesdays 7:15 pm - 8:45 pm
Tuition: $430.00 (Includes $55 costume fee)
Zorianka and Zorya: Ages 11-12 and 12+
The dancers of Zorya will continue their development through additional choreography representing various regions in Ukraine. This class will be expected to carry several dances in their repertoire. Further progression and proficiency of dance technique, a focus on artistic expression, and the development of solos will occur.
Wednesdays 7:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuition: $485.00 (Includes $55 costume fee)
MONDAY CLASSES
Druzi I - Adult Recreational Ukrainian Dance Class
18+ years of age
Returning for its third year, our recreational class is designed for the new and experienced Ukrainian dancer. If you are just starting out or wishing to return to the dance floor to share your love for dance, we welcome you to this fun and casual group. This class will offer a relaxed but challenging environment. Participants will enjoy exercise, music, fun and friendship while sharing in and exploring the love and education of traditional Ukrainian folk-dance steps and choreography. Opportunity to perform in year-end recital. No experience required!
Mondays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuition: $500.00 (includes $50 costume fee)
Druzi II - Adult Advanced Ukrainian Dance Class
18+ years of age
This class is designed for experienced dancers, Rusalka alumni, OR dancers who have and are looking for an elevated level of dance training. If you would like to be challenged in an exciting and motivating class, this ones for you. Participants can expect to experience a wonderfully structured rehearsal style similar to what exists on the Rusalka dance floor. Students will learn new Ukrainian choreography and/or bring to life some of the beauties found in the Rusalka archives. Opportunity to perform in year-end recital.
Wednesdays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuition: $500.00 (Includes $50 costume fee)
Junior Rusalka: Ages 14+ Audition Placement
Junior Rusalka is the senior performing ensemble of the Rusalka UNF School of Dance. This auditioned group performs regularly throughout the year. This group is designed for those dancers who are dedicated and passionate about taking the next step in their Ukrainian dance journey focusing on the development of their technique and artistic presentation. Students in this class learn choreography from multiple regions of Ukraine and explore different styles and emotions of dance. Focus is placed in three areas: strong ballet and character technique, mastery of solos, and performance quality. Students will be prepared and encouraged to audition for Rusalka. This class serves as a springboard to the Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.
Mondays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuition: $600.00 (Includes $60 costume fee)
SATURDAY CLASSES
“STUDIA” Enrichment Classes: Ages 8 -10 and 11+
Our new STUDIA Enrichment Program is a wonderful supplementary dance education program designed to enhance students' dance experience and challenge them technically and artistically. This class is designed to offer an addition to the core syllabus training rather than a replacement for it. Students will learn in a focussed, motivational, and positive learning environment. The class will focus on furthering classical and character barre technique, centre work, fundamentals of Ukrainian dance lexicon, and regional work. Enrichment students may be invited to learn an additional piece of choreography that will be presented at the year end recital.
STUDIA dance classes are open to students enrolled in yearly classes at Rusalka UNF School of Dance (excluding Junior Rusalka and adult classes). Dancers may register for one or both sessions. NOTE: Students MUST be registered in a full year dance class at Rusalka UNF School of Dance to participate in the Enrichment Program.
Session 1 - September - December
Session 2 - January -April
Saturday 9:30 am-10:30 pm
8-10 years of age
Saturday 10:45 am -11:45 am
11+ years of age
12-week session: $225.00
(Minimum number of students required for each class.)
“Steppes” Ukrainian Dance Exercise Class
For participants 18+ years of age
Are you a former Ukrainian dancer and you’ve tried the gym. Maybe you are a fitness enthusiast looking for something new. Or you are just starting out and looking to get in your daily steps. But nothing satisfies the soul quite like Ukrainian dance! Get your Ukrainian dance STEPPES in by joining us for a fun filled and easy moving Ukrainian dance inspired exercise class. Enjoy some of the many elements of a classical dance class blended with the energy of some cardiovascular exercise Ukrainian style. Feel the energy of the music rushing through your body as you move, sweat, and dance - your favourite way!
Session 1 - September - December
Session 2 - January - April
Saturday 12:00 pm -1:15 pm
12-week session: $250.00
(Minimum number of students required.)
