Ukrainian dance group taking steps to raise funds and cultural awareness

A Ukrainian dance group fromWindsor, Ont.is working on some fancy steps to raise funds to help the people of Ukraine. But it's not just about raising money, it's also about raising awareness about Ukrainian culture.

"I think what we're doing is kind of showing that we're still here, we're not going anywhere and kind of the strength of the Ukrainian community is not solely concentrated in Ukraine but around the world," NadiaStephaniuk told the CBC.

She is one of the organizers with the BarvinokUkrainian Dance Ensemble. It is rehearsing for a show that will take place with some live music and a benefit dinner at the Ciociaro Club on May 26.

For Stephaniuk, who has been doing Ukrainian dance for more than20 years, putting on the dance to assist people stuck in the midst of a war gives it a new meaning.

"In the wake of everything, it's really put in perspective the power of culture and dance and it's really impactfulto be able to still do this today," Stephaniuk said.

Michael Jaworiwsky, another organizer of the dance said that it's important to be showcasing the culture during the eventas well as clear up somemisconceptions about the Ukraine.

"I love the fact that a lot of people didn't know the Ukraine was a country before this happened. Everybody thought, 'Oh so you're Russian.'No, we're not Russian, we're Ukrainian," he said.