Meet the Green Line Neighbours - Tryzub
Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society has been operating in Calgary for over 50 years with the goal of preserving and promoting the dynamic art of Ukrainian dance, sharing this important piece of Ukrainian culture both at home and abroad.
“Many, many people have immigrated, for over a century, from Ukraine to Canada. We have one of the largest diaspora of Ukrainians anywhere in the world so Ukrainian dance is a great way for people to connect to their culture,” says John Stadnyk, Chair of the Board of Directors at Tryzub.
Tryzub is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers. The studio is located near the intersection of 114 Ave and Barlow Trail SE, close to the future Douglas Glen station. John believes “having the Green Line opens up all parts of Calgary for an easy commute to the studio.”
Tryzub Ukranian Dance Society
Studio: #115 - 3953 112 Ave SE Calgary, AB
Website
www.tryzub.ca
Social Media
Instagram
Tryzub offers classes in both Ukrainian dance and ballet, as well as audition-based roles for their productions.
“You don’t have to be Ukrainian to Ukrainian dance. Some of the best dancers that have come through Tryzub have been from other cultures, the doors are open to everybody,” says John.
The dancers at Tryzub all volunteer their time to help raise money for various causes. In 2023, their performance of 1000 Flights Out raised over $28,000 for Ukrainian families escaping the Russian invasion of Ukraine to settle in South Okanagan. These performances were in collaboration with the Ukrainian Nightingale Project (UNP).
“We have a huge Western Canada tour where we created a two-hour long production of original choreography and music. We’re touring ten cities raising money for Ukrainian newcomers that are settling across Western Canada,” says John.
DZVINKA is Tryzub’s 50 anniversary show. They have toured most of 2025 and will end the tour in Vernon and Kamloops on September 20 and 21 respectively.
“We’re all about bringing people together on these large projects. It’s a family of 200 people. Often if people danced with Tryzub 25 years ago, their children are in Tryzub school, and most likely the next generation will be as well. That’s why I’m confident we’ll be around in 75 years,” says John. Registration is open for the upcoming fall semester of dance classes for any Calgarians looking to explore the art of Ukrainian dance.
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