Celebrate 50 Years with the Club at their Community-Focused Fundraiser

There’s something special about a milestone like this. You don’t just celebrate the years — you celebrate the people who made them count.

The St. Paul Desna Ukrainian Dance Club is doing exactly that as they mark their 50th anniversary on April 18. And according to Costume Director, Breana Malcolmson, this event is about more than just a night out.

“So 50 years ago, some very dedicated Ukrainian people set out to honor their heritage,” Malcolmson shared. “And they came up with our Desna Dance Club.”

Fifty years later, that legacy is still moving — quite literally.

Today, the club includes close to 80 dancers across multiple age groups and nearly 40 families. It’s a full community effort and Malcolmson knows that firsthand.

“I am the costume director, as well as a dancer, and a dance mom,” she said. “Couple hats.”

That kind of commitment shows up in everything they do — especially this upcoming celebration.

The April 18 event, hosted at the St. Paul Rec Centre, is designed as both a fundraiser and a reflection point. However, if you ask Malcolmson, the heart of it leans toward something deeper.

“Any money we do make for the event is just going to go back into the dance club,” she explained. “We would love to make some money, but really, it is just to celebrate the achievement and the milestone of the people that have come before us… It’s a lot of hard work.”

And the night itself? It’s packed. From live music and cultural storytelling to performances from dancers spanning generations, the event brings the full picture of what this club represents. Groups ranging from young elementary dancers to senior performers will take the stage, followed by a standout alumni performance — something Malcolmson says has been especially meaningful to prepare for.

“We had 20 dancers come back,” she said. “I danced in the ’90s, and people that have danced before me came back to dance. So it’s been a lot of fun.”

That sense of continuity — past meeting present — is what gives the night its weight.

Yet, it doesn’t stop there.

Guests can also expect live entertainment throughout the evening, including a performance by Millennia, a band Malcolmson describes simply: “They put on just a spectacle.”

Add in a silent auction, live paintings, catering, and a strong lineup of community support, and it’s clear this isn’t just another fundraiser. It’s a full experience.

“We’re really looking forward to having them,” she said of the entertainment and community partners involved.

The event kicks off with cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by the main program at 6 p.m. Early bird tickets are available until March 31, with options for individual seats or full tables.

If there’s one thing Malcolmson wants people to take away, it’s this: showing up matters.

Clubs like Desna don’t last 50 years by accident. They last because people care enough to keep them going.

And nights like this? They’re how that story continues.