Find Out Everything You Need to Know for Your First Classes Here
Pre-Registration for the 2024-25 dance season begins Thursday, May 2, 2024.
If you are new or returning to Barvinok, you can receive registration information as soon as it is available by joining our mailing list:
Register for Ukrainian Dance Calgary Classes
Barvinok’s dance season runs from September (the first Thursday after Labour Day) through the end of the first weekend in June.
Pre-Registration takes place in the spring and we open fall registration in August.
Registration is open to everyone, of all cultures, including those who are new to dance.
Placement Evaluations
New and re-enrolling students who are 5–17 years old participate in placement evaluations on the first day of dance every September.
This is not an audition and our instructors ensure a positive and fun experience. Your child can relax and have fun.
Students enrolling in Pre-Beginner (age 3-5) and Adult (18+) dance classes do not participate in placement evaluations. These dancers automatically join their respective classes based on age only.
May parents stay and watch dance placements and classes?
Please refer to section below: A Few Final Reminders for Parents.
Confirmation of Class Placement
While the levels are typically associated with birth year, final placement is up to the Artistic Director and Instructors, based on individual talent, specific skills, overall abilities, and the dancer’s years of experience.
After evaluations, students are placed in classes that will meet their current abilities and challenge them.
Parents will receive an email prior to their dancer’s second Thursday night class, advising them of class placement and time.
What Should Dancers Wear & Bring to Dance Evaluations & First Classes?
Dance, yoga or athletic wear should be worn as long as it is not loose fitting. Please refrain from wearing cropped shirts. Dance is a high intensity activity, so be prepared to sweat.
Please do not purchase dance footwear for the purpose of dance evaluations – instead, wait for your instructor to tell you the type and colour of footwear you need. This will be communicated in September. If you already own a pair of ballet slippers or jazz shoes, you may wear them.
If you do not own dance footwear or have outgrown yours, please wear socks for your evaluation (no bare feet for hygienic reasons).
Long hair should be tied back, preferably in a bun.
Make sure you bring a water bottle!
What Parents/Adults Need to Bring to Placement Evaluations & First Classes
Your Completed Registration Package
Very Important:
You must send us your registration package and deposit (by e-transfer) before arriving at placements or your first class.
Your consent, dancer’s information and parent/guardian contact information is absolutely required prior to participation. It’s important that your child start their class on time.
Banking Information
Part of the registration process involves filling out two Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) agreements when you bring your child to Placement Evaluations (or their first class):
To complete the PAD agreement you will need to know your financial institution’s:
You must come prepared with this information. You should be able to gather this information online from your bank’s website ahead of time.
A PAD agreement allows for the debit of a fixed amount from your account on agreed upon terms. An account holder will need to be present to sign the forms.
Board members volunteering at Placement Evaluations will answer any questions you have, ensure you have completed all the required paperwork and paid the registration deposit prior to your child receiving a bracelet/hand stamp admitting them to evaluations.
A Few Final Reminders for Parents
We thank parents for supporting the focus of all members of your child’s class and your own dancers’ growing independence. We kindly request you drop your child off at dance and return at pick-up time, including on Placement Night and first classes.
On regular class nights there is limited seating available in the lobby of the cultural hall should you need to wait on site. We request that parents wait outside the class for their children.
The school hosts a parent viewing night, traditionally on the last Thursday of dance before the Christmas break so you can get a sneak preview of what your dancers have been working on! Feel free to take photos and videos!
2023-24 Tuition
Volunteering, fundraising and AGLC casino events keep our program affordable. Learn more about required Volunteering and Fundraising commitments with Barvinok.
2023-24 Tuition Discounts
Any tuition paid in full by the last day of September will receive a discount:
Pre-Beginner Dancers save $25
Beginner Dancers save $50
Intermediate Dancers save $50
Senior Dancers save $75
Adult Class Dancers save $50
Tuition Payments – Monthly Installments
Another option is to pay tuition in 7 monthly pre-authorized debit installments. Tuition paid through an installment contract is not eligible for any discounts.
2023-24 Scholarship Application Opportunity for Ukrainian Newcomers
For the 2023-24 season we are pleased to refer you to a tuition scholarship opportunity Ukrainian newcomers can apply for.
If your dancer may qualify, please let us know so we can assist you with the process.
Applications for Funding to Support Families Facing Financial Barriers
Children whose families face financial barriers that make participating in dance challenging may be eligible for some funding to help.
Please contact our registrar to learn more about supports that may be available to you.
Contact Our Registrar
If you have any questions about registration or fees, please contact our registrar.
Barvinok is the heart and soul of the Calgary Ukrainian Dance community
FAQ
Where is the school located?
All dance classes are held in the cultural centre attached to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Free parking is available in the designated church parking lots on the west and north sides of the church as well as on the street (watch for restrictions).
Where does my class meet at St. Vlad’s?
Children and Youth (Ages 3-17)
Dancers should enter through the main floor doors on the west side of the Cultural Centre at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church and proceed to the main hall. Your instructors will greet you there!
Adult (Ages 18+)
Dancers in the adult class should enter through the basement level doors on the south side of the Cultural Centre at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church and proceed to the large studio space at the bottom of the stairs. Your instructor will greet you there!
Will there be a parent meeting to learn more about the group once we join?
All Barvinok families will be invited to a parent information session in mid-late September called Barvinok 101.
This is an opportunity for our board members to answer questions for families who are new to Barvinok.
Barvinok 101 is also helpful for families whose children are progressing through the school and entering a new level of dance (eg. advancing from Intermediate to Senior level classes).
This information session is immediately followed by our Fall General Meeting. Please save the dates- we can’t wait to meet you!
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in the spring. We invite all parents to attend this meeting.
What footwear will be required for weeknight classes and performances?
Once your dancer is placed in a class, their instructor will be able to confirm what type and colour of dance shoes will be needed for rehearsals and performances.
Please note we offer used shoe sales several times a year for families who wish to sell or purchase used shoes.
Dancers in Intermediate and Senior classes may be required to purchase multiple types of footwear for classes and performances (eg. ballet flats and character shoes).
Which dancers get to wear Ukrainian red boots?
Dancers in Senior 2 level and higher classes as well as the Adult class all wear the iconic Ukrainian red boots for performances.
If you are unsure of how, where and when to purchase red boots, we can offer some suggestions. Please do not order red boots for your child until their class placement has been confirmed.
Tell me about costumes. Do we buy, rent or make them?
We do not require our families to rent, buy or make costumes.
Barvinok is proud to have one of the largest collections of authentic costumes in North America.
Our Artistic Director frequently travels to Ukraine where he works with talented artisans to carefully curate our collection.
Costumes are distributed to students throughout the year. Depending on the level of dance, dancers will receive 1 to 7 costumes.
Barvinok provides a garment bag for dancers to store and transport their costumes.
Communication and Support for Parents and Dancers
Barvinok prides itself in being organized and prepared. Keeping families and dancers informed is extremely important to us.
You can count on more ease with our school with:
Accessible Instructors and Volunteers
Monthly Newsletters
Private Dancer Portal with Resources for Dancers and Parents
Used Shoe Sales
Virtual Sign Up Lists for Volunteers
Parent Info Sessions
Parent-Led Leadership