Winnipeg, MB - Today Mayor Sam Katz presented members of Rusalka with the City of Winnipeg Organizational Community Service Award, at a ceremony at City Hall that included a special performance by the popular dancers.
The award recognized the Ukrainian dance ensemble for 50 years of excellence as a Winnipeg arts organization. Mayor Katz acknowledged the world-renowned group for their cultural contributions and praised them for being “phenomenal ambassadors” for the City.
“Rusalka has been captivating audiences here at home and around the globe for half a century,” said Mayor Katz. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, talented group of performers representing Winnipeg on the world stage.”
Rusalka was founded in Winnipeg by the late Peter Hladun in 1962. The young dancers, who were hand-picked from the Ukrainian National Federation School of Dance, soon developed into a world-class dance ensemble, under Hladun’s guidance.
Over the past half-century, Rusalka has become known around the world, performing for captivated audiences that have included royalty and heads of state. The group remains Winnipeg-based.
"We are very proud to be honoured by the City of Winnipeg today," said Dr. Jerry Baluta and Hannia Tarasiuk, Co-Chairs of Rusalka's Board of Directors. "As we look back over the past 50 years, we are humbled and ever so grateful to all those who have made this journey possible and assisted Rusalka in achieving legendary status."
Rusalka's 50th anniversary celebrations kicked off with a very successful Gala Dinner at the beginning of May and will conclude with a concert at the Centennial Concert Hall on October 27th, 2013.
The City of Winnipeg Organizational Community Service Award is presented to Winnipeg organizations who through their dedication, have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavor, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural, or economic well-being of their community.The award was introduced in the 1950s and is usually awarded on the occasion of an anniversary for the organization.