HISTORY  In 1983, few expected that a group of friends learning to dance for exercise and fun would be the beginning of one of Canada's many prized Ukrainian dance ensembles. Slowly but surely, each year passed with new skills gained, an increase in dancers, and a special spirit building. Veselka was beginning to take shape. Seventeen years later, this spirit has endured as countless audiences have since raved over Veselka's character, humour, and unique style of presenting Ukrainian traditions through dance and song. Initially incorporated as the Veselka Ukrainian Dance and Music Society in 1985, the group is now known simply as the Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association. Over 30 members strong, aged 19 to 50, Veselka has performed at numerous functions ranging from weddings and celebrations to festivals and special events. The group has received top marks at a variety of competitions including the Vegreville Pysanka Festival and Edmontons Cheremosh Dance Festival. While most performances have been in the home province of Alberta, in August 1995 Veselka traveled to Dauphin, Manitoba for Canadas National Ukrainian Dance Festival and placed first in five categories. Then in October 1995 Veselka ventured east to Ottawa and Montreal to share its talents on its first official tour entitled Welcome the Rainbow as Veselka in English means a rainbow. These shows were so well received that in April of 1996, Veselka performed Welcome the Rainbow at Edmontons Jubilee Auditorium and as grandstand performers of Vegrevilles Pysanka 96. In July 1998 Veselka enjoyed the exciting opportunity to perform at the Norwood Legion during the Edmonton Klondike Days Festival. Most recently, in August 2000, Veselka was very well received at the Heritage Days Festival in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Proud and honoured over the warm reception the ensemble receives each time it performs, Veselka constantly strives for more. And through every success, Veselkas biggest accomplishment has been its ability to retain and share its unique spirit and love of Ukrainian culture to be enjoyed by all.