About Vesnianka
Since 1999, Vesnianka Academy of Ukrainian Dance has earned top ranks in Saskatoon’s dance community. Children ages 3-18, as well as adults, under the professional instruction of Vitali Sorokotiaguine, and his team of instructors, have developed a passion for Ukrainian folk dancing and have showcased their talents at many different venues. Dancers and their families enjoy reuniting with old friends at dance festivals in Alberta and throughout Saskatchewan every spring and have received numerous scholarships and trophies. Vitali, along with his instructors, are always very proud of the accomplishments of their students and enjoy seeing their technique and love of Ukrainian dance grow.Meet Our Instructors
Vitali Sorokotiaguine
Owner and Head Instructor
Vitali brings decades of experience, creativity, and heart to Vesnianka. Born and trained in Ukraine, he performed as a soloist with the Odessa Region Song and Dance Ensemble, directed the Molodist Dance Ensemble in Zaporizhia, and served as Ballet Master and Regisseur with the Nadzbruchanka Dance Ensemble in Ternopil.
Since moving to Canada in 1993, Vitali has dedicated himself to growing and inspiring the Ukrainian dance community. In 1999, together with his wife Tania, he founded Vesnianka Academy of Ukrainian Dance. Now in its 26th year, the school continues to thrive under his leadership. Vitali is known for his innovative choreography, high standards, and deep commitment to his dancers. He continues to teach and choreograph for Vesnianka and for Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, where he is also Artistic Director. His passion, creativity, and care for his students have helped build not only a strong dance program, but also a close-knit community where dancers and families feel at home.
Tatiana Sorokotiaguine
Co-Owner
Tatiana has been an essential part of Vesnianka since the day it began. Alongside teaching classes, she takes care of all things costume related from seeing and alterations to organizing and maintaining the wardrobe making sure every dancer looks their very best on stage. Always ready to help wherever needed, Tania’s dedication and love for Ukrainian dance make her an invaluable part of the Vesnianka family.
Lecia Papenfus
Lecia has been dancing for more than 40 years. She began studying ballet at the age of 4 years and successfully completed her RAD ballet exams up to Pre-Elementary level and received instruction in both Cecchetti and Vaganova ballet methods as well. She began Ukrainian dancing with Poltava (in Regina) and then continued to study at the Ukrainian Dance School in Saskatoon. Lecia auditioned for Yevshan at the age of 14 and danced with the ensemble for 13 years during which she had the opportunity to travel and perform in Saskatchewan, Canada and internationally.
Lecia has been teaching dancing for over 25 years. She began teaching with Vitali in North Battleford and then continued to teach with him in the early years of Vesnianka. Having lived and taught in both Saskatchewan, Yukon and Vancouver Island, Lecia has had the opportunity to teach and share her love of Ukrainian dance with students in many different places. Her goal in the studio is to help her students excel at dance, but more importantly to teach them life skills that will help them be excellent citizens of the world. Lecia and her family moved back to Saskatoon in 2019 and she is enjoying teaching with Vesnianka again. In addition to Vesnianka, Lecia also is the , assistant instructor and mentor with the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble. She is trained as a physiotherapist and is currently building a business as a lifestyle, nutrition and health coach. loves all things related to wellness. Lecia lives with her husband and three children on their acreage where they enjoy spending time outdoors and having the occasional dance party in their living room!
Luba Wojcichowsky
Luba has been teaching at Vesnianka for over 15 years. She began dancing with the Ukrainian Dance School, out of Saskatoon and then auditioned for the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble when she was 15. Luba danced with Yevshan for 18 years and had the opportunity to perform and tour around Saskatchewan, Canada and the world. She currently sits on the board of Yevshan, helping in many capacities. In addition to Ukrainian dancing, Luba recently began training with the Saskatoon Salsa Dance Company on their Sapphire Salsa and Bachata competitive team. Luba is a teacher with the Saskatoon Public School Division, teaching English as an Additional Language and lives with her husband, 2 young daughters and puppy.
Marina Sorokotiaguine
Marina has been dancing for as long as she can remember and has been teaching at Vesnianka for over 12 years. She continues her performance career with the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble, where she has taken part in numerous notable performances both locally and internationally.
Throughout her years of teaching, Marina has worked with dancers of all ages from pre-beginners to Vesnianka’s most senior performers. She strives to create a supportive and challenging environment where dancers can build confidence, develop discipline, and form a strong connection to their Ukrainian heritage through dance.
Outside of the studio, Marina works as an oncology pharmacist. She is proud to continue giving back to the Vesnianka community that helped shape her as a young dancer and remains passionate about sharing the art and culture of Ukrainian dance with the next generation.
Sebastian Gardulski
Sebastian began his love of dancing at the age of 6 with the Vesnianka Academy of Ukrainian Dance in Saskatoon. Sebastian spent many summers attending dance camps during his younger years, learning from guest instructors as well as learning a variety of new choreography and regional dances. At the age of 17, Sebastian joined the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble and it was in the ensemble that he continued his instruction under Mr. Vitali Sorokotiaguone. With Yevshan, Sebastian was able to perform and travel internationally. After many years on the stage, Sebastian retired from performing and worked to obtain his Masters in Political Science, beginning the next steps in his professional life. To keep his connection to Ukrainian dance, Sebastian instructs at Vesnianka and has been an instructor with different dance groups in the province. He believes that Ukrainian dance is the best way for people to further appreciate and understand the traditions, history and the strength of Ukraine and the people we share this beautiful culture with. By focusing on traditional regions and traditional stage choreography, Sebastian hopes to continue providing cultural inspiration and connection to future generations so that they may one day do the same.
Dima Sorokotiaguine
Aleksa Hyra
Aleksa is a recent graduate of Vesnianka Academy of Ukrainian Dance, having danced with the group for 13 years. She also trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical and contemporary dance with Kristy’s Dance Fusion. Aleksa recently joined the Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble and has enjoyed many performances with the group. She really enjoys her time instructing at Vesnianka and loves sharing her passion for Ukrainian dance with new generations!
Roman Iula
Roman is an alumni of Vesnianka Academy of Ukrainian Dance, having danced with them for 12 years before going on to become a member of Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble. He has also studied modern styles of dance such as jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and street, as member of Aden Bowman Collegiate Dance. Roman looks forward to sharing his knowledge of dance and positive vibes with dancers!