1960 — today
More than six decades
Yevshan was founded in Saskatoon by sisters Lusia and Nadia Pavlychenko with a passion to preserve and celebrate Ukrainian heritage through dance.
Since then, the ensemble has brought Ukrainian dance to stages across Canada and around the world. Each milestone below is part of a continuous story shaped by ambitious performances, international tours and generations of dedicated dancers.
Milestones
Follow Yevshan’s story from its founding in 1960 to its most recent international tour.
Sisters Lusia and Nadia Pavlychenko found the Yevshan Dancers Group in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The group is officially registered as the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble.
Yevshan performs its first feature ballet, “The Legend of the Yevshan Zilya.”
Under the direction of Daria Nyzankiwska-Snihurowycz, Yevshan performs “The Night of the Kupalo Festival.”
Yevshan comes under the artistic direction of Bohdan Zerebecky.
Yevshan performs in Saskatoon’s sister city of Umeå, Sweden.
Accompanied by Canada’s Consul General, Yevshan premieres a show at the renowned Kyiv Opera House in Ukraine.
Vitali Sorokotiaguine leaves his home in Ukraine and becomes Yevshan’s artistic director.
Yevshan returns to Ukraine for another international tour.
Touring takes Yevshan to Cuba and destinations across the United States, including Las Vegas, New York, Disney World and San Diego.
Yevshan performs for the late Queen Elizabeth II during Saskatchewan’s centennial celebrations.
Yevshan marks its 50th anniversary with a special performance.
The ensemble tours and performs throughout the Balkans.
Yevshan travels to Chile for its first tour in South America.
Yevshan tours western Ukraine, with performances in Ternopil and Cherkasy.
Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Yevshan celebrates its 60th anniversary—with dancers performing in masks.
Yevshan moves from its long-standing rehearsal space on 20th Street to Second Act Studios.
The ensemble is invited to give a private performance for a Silicon Valley billionaire.
Yevshan returns to Chile for a second tour, performing in Santiago, La Serena and Santa Cruz.
Yevshan marks it’s 65th anniversary & tours Italy for the first time.