Zoloto Studios - 1301 Admiral Avenue
(On the corner of Fife & Admiral)
Have a Question about a performance or class? Fill out the form below to get in touch with us!
Who can participate in Ukrainian Dance?
Everyone! Anyone of any age or ethnic background with an interest in Ukrainian Dance and Culture!
The Zoloto Company is for Ukrainian Dance enthusiasts aged 5 to 20 years who want to take the leisure program a step further. It offers a curriculum-based approach like a ballet school with longer class lengths, and numerous performance, competition, and festival opportunities for students to attend. The Zoloto Company requires a commitment from September to June. Students can opt to return to classes during the Summer to participate in Folklorama.
We Offer
• A custom curriculum that sets dancers on a path to advance quickly in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
• Workshops with guest artists in choreography, technique, flexibility, musicality, posture, etc.
• Cultural Workshops in Arts and Crafts, Folktales & Customs.
• Performance opportunities include our year-end recital, annual banquet, Competitions, Festivals, hired performances, and Folklorama at our own Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion.
General Information:
• Tuition fees include instructional time and costume rentals, except for dance footwear.
• Classes are held each week (holidays excluded) from September until the end of May.
• We follow the Manitoba school calendar as closely as possible.
• Dancers participating in Folklorama will be required to return to rehearsals in mid-July.
Registration Information:
• All registrations will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.
• When enrolling, please choose the class that is specific to each student's age group.
• Age groups are only a starting point. Students will be placed in a group by a combination of age, experience, ability, and attitude and are subject to a trial period during the first few weeks of the year up to mid-October. A class change to best suit a student's needs may be recommended during this time at the discretion of the faculty.
The Zoloto Ukrainian Dance Ensemble was founded in 1991 by Artistic Director Keris Matskiw and her family to celebrate Ukraine's newfound independence. Zoloto's humble beginnings were met with great success, largely thanks to Keris' lifelong joy and dedication to Ukrainian dance, and in 1994 Zoloto opened their dance school to the great demand that youth have an opportunity to learn to dance with the same joy and dedication.
Over the years, Zoloto has taught thousands of students the exciting different regional styles of Ukrainian dance. Zoloto has worked on passing Ukrainian cultural arts, traditions, and language to new generations, always open to teaching anyone interested in exploring and honouring Ukrainian heritage.
From festivals and performances across the country and abroad, Zoloto has won awards and accolades with its energetic, high-tempo performances. Zoloto thrives on the pleasure of passing along the culture and celebrating it with the public. Zoloto has performed at competitions and exhibitions in Costa Rica, Peru, various locations in Canada and the USA and twice in Ukraine.
Along with many special events in Manitoba, such as the Festival of Nations, the 1999 Pan Am Games Opening & Closing Ceremonies, and a very long history with Folklorama, including producing our own Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion since 2011, Zoloto is proud to represent Ukrainian culture in the local community as well as on the world stage.
Zoloto has felt a deep connection with Ukrainian freedom for thirty-one years, and it is a connection we will continue to share well into the future.
(except the last 2 weeks of August... that's when we rest!)
In the Spring of 2019, Zoloto endeavoured to once again open its own studio. After many years of searching, an appropriate space was procured at 1301 Admiral Avenue in Inkster park.
After extensive clean up and preparation which saw a lot of paint, the addition of a sprung wood floors and nylon mirrors, Zoloto Studios opened it's doors in the fall of that year. We had just enough time to happily settle into our new home before being shut down for an extended period by a global pandemic. With the help of our dedicated families and friends we are ecstatic to be open once again and ready for a new crop of students to join our existing membership.
The 3350sqft facility is distinguisable by it's bright yellow doors and boasts 2 large, bright studios, a student lounge, 2 change rooms, 2 bathrooms, and enough storage space for all of the costumes we've acquired over the past 31 years.
Who can participate in Ukrainian Dance?
Everyone! Anyone of any age or ethnic background with an interest in Ukrainian Dance and Culture!
Zoloto is a community hub for individuals interested in Ukrainian folk dance and culture regardless of their cultural background. Our leisure program is meant for new students (or those returning to it) who want to explore the world of Ukrainian culture without having to make a long-term commitment!
We offer affordable dance sessions on a 6 or 12 week program basis 3 times per year for ages 3 to Adult. The ultimate goal of the program is being a place for students to do something fun, feel empowered, learn about culture and diversity, challenge themselves, and get some sweet, sweet endorphins!
Things are done a little differently in the leisure program...
• No competitions.
• No recitals.
• No dress codes.
What do we do?
• We have fun!
• We dance for joy!
• We explore culture!
Other Program Details
• No Fundraising!
• No costume purchases or rentals are required!
• No specialty footwear purchases are necessary!
• Students will focus on a variety of Ukrainian regional dances and cultural aspects including folk tales, and holiday customs!
• Three Sessions Available - Fall, Winter, and Spring
• Participate in a full session, half-session, or just drop in for a lesson at a time!
• Small in-studio showcase to show off your newfound skills for family & friends at the end of each 12-week session.
Registration Information
• All registrations will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.
• When enrolling, please choose the class that is specific to each student's age group.
• Registrations will be accepted until the start date of each session, or until we have reached capacity, whichever comes first.
Class Times, Fees, and Session Dates:
What is Folklorama?
Folklorama is an event that runs for two weeks each August in Winnipeg. Visitors to the festival are invited to sample cuisine and celebrate the cultural and ethnic heritage of people from dozens of cultures who have made Winnipeg their home. Folklorama is the world's largest and longest-running multicultural festival.
Each cultural organization that chooses to be part of the festival procures a venue, known as a pavilion. Typically there are over 40 pavilions/cultural organizations presented throughout the city, with half operating in week one and half in week two of the festival. Each pavilion presents a show featuring the song and dance of their culture, along with trademark ethnic cuisine and a cultural display.
Folklorama provides exposure to cultural groups and brings in thousands of tourists each year, adding to the city's economy.
For the remainder of the year, the Folklorama organization provides cultural diversity and inclusivity activities to the Provinces many communities and businesses via it's other moduals. As a longstanding member of Folklorama, Zoloto participates in a multitude of events organized by the organization throughout the year. If you'd like to know more, visit their website at www.folklorama.ca
The Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion
Since 2011, the Zoloto Ukrainian Dance Ensemble & Company has been the sponsoring organization of the Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion for the Folklorama Festival. From food to performances to the man working security at the back door, each aspect of the pavilion is organized by Zoloto.
Planning of the Pavilion begins ten months in advance and includes monthly meetings and numerous milestones that need to be reached before the doors ever open.
If you'd like more information about the Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion, to volunteer, become a performer, or to follow us on social media, please visit the website at www.spiritofukraine.ca
At Zoloto we believe in joy, love, kindness, equality, inclusivity, diversity, and hope. We offer a fun, loving and inclusive space for anyone that wants to participate in Ukrainian dance and culture, and many of our students and members do not come from a Ukrainian background. Our aim is to promote and celebrate Ukrainian culture with a broader audience than just Winnipeg's Ukrainian-Canadian Community. We are a group that fosters social and personal responsibility. We are respectful to one another, we embrace our differences, we cherish our community, and we have a ton of fun forming many new and lifelong friendships along the way.
• All classes are held at Zoloto Studios - 1301 Admiral Avenue.
• Leisure Classes are held Saturday mornings beginning at 10am.
• Company rehearsals are held Tuesday & Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30pm.
• Junior & Senior Ensembles rehearse on Sundays and Wednesdays.
• Yes. The Classes in our leisure program are for students beginning at the age of 3. Students need to turn 3 by their first class, must be able to participate without their parents, and be fully potty trained.
• Absolutely not. While the leisure program is a great place for beginners, it isn't necessary to start there. As long as you are willing to make the committment required for company classes, you can absolutely start your Ukrainian Dance journey there!
• Students in the leisure program are always placed solely by age.
• While age is a factor for Company classes, there is no hard and fast rule for placement. We take a student's previous experience, ability, commitment level, and attitude into consideration. The first few weeks of class are a trial period so we can be certain of where each student belongs.
• We do not permit parents to participate in rehearsal with their child. Parents for the most part (and we mean no offense) are more of a distraction than a help. You are however welcome to stay in the facility and make use of the parents lounge so that you are there if your student needs you.
• No. Students are better focused when all attention can be paid on the instructors and the material they’re working on.
• Parents will have the opportunity to see leisure program students at their end of session showcase.
• Parent viewing nights will be set up at intervals thoughout the year for the Zoloto Company. You will be able to watch a portion of the class at this time. All parents are welcome to remain at the facility and make themselves comfortable in the parents lounge.
• Leisure Program students do not require costumes or special shoes. They are free to wear whatever they are comfortable in.
• Company & Ensemble students are responsible for their own footwear and undergarments only. Costumes are procured either via our talented seamstresses here in Canada or via custom orders from Ukraine. Part of Tuition fees go towards the rental costumes which are owned by Zoloto.
• Leisure program students that sign up for a 12 weeks session will have the opportunity to display what they've been working on at the end of session showcase. All other leisure students will not have a performance.
• Typically there are quite a few performances throughout the year for Company and Ensemble members but most will
come in the spring and summer. As members of Folklorama, we participate in
hired performances via the Folklorama talent service. Zoloto also takes private
bookings for conventions, weddings, Festivals, etc from friends, family, and the
general public. There are also the events we organize such as our Recital and
Zabava Banquet. We’re also the sponsoring organization behind the Spirit of
Ukraine Pavilion for Folklorama and perform in all 23 shows throughout the week.
• Leisure program students do not travel.
• When we’re not grounded by a global pandemic, The Company and Ensembles try to get
away every few years. Whether that is a visit to Ukraine or to perform at a local or
international festival, we've done it all. Our groups have traveled throughout Canada, the
US, Central America, South America, and Europe to perform.
• Our leisure program is completely unique, and the only one dedicated to Ukrainian Dance in the city of Winnipeg. It gives students the opportunity to experiece something they may not have considered trying without having to make a long-term commitment. This is great for those who want to do something fun and different just for the joy.
•Our Family Atmosphere. Many of our dancers have been together since
they were toddlers.
• Our Folklorama participation is truly what
sets us apart. Every aspect of the pavilion is organized, staged, and run by our
Zoloto members, families, and friends. We perform in all 23 shows in just 7 days. Is
it tiring? Absolutely, but also rewarding and a blast! We’re sore but well-fed and
you haven’t lived until you’ve done 23 Hopaks in 7 days! Trust us!