FOUNDER 1954

Lusia Pavlychenko,

RAD Lifetime, C.D.T.A. Lifetime

(1933-2012)

Known as “Miss P”, Lusia dedicated her professional life to Dance. She achieved many firsts in her career—1st Amateur Performing Company in Saskatchewan, 1st Ukrainian stage troupe to expose the beauty and wealth of her Ukrainian heritage – Yevshan, then  the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble in 1967, and the 1st Professional dance company in Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan Dance Theatre—ballet, modern, jazz) – to name a few. She has been recognized by many Arts and Community organizations as a true passionate pioneer of dance in Canada with two of her most coveted awards being the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and an induction into the Choreographic Hall of Fame in Ukraine. In the Fall of 2019, the Canadian Dance Teachers Association dedicated a permament bench and plaque located at River Landing in front of the Remai Art Gallery to her contributbutions as a Pioneer of Dance. As a dedicated “tough teacher”, her students say it best: “Thank you, Miss P, for passing on your love of dance and sharing your talents with us.” Sadly, our mentor passed away in November of 2012 but her spirit and drive remain with us.