Scholarship Winners

Scholarships

A Shared Passion, a Continuing Tradition

Culture FUZE Dance Festival is proud to offer scholarships in honour of cherished family members, both past and present, whose passion for Ukrainian dance and culture continues to inspire everything we do. These scholarships celebrate the love, dedication, and contributions of those who have helped shape our festival and community, while supporting the next generation of dancers. In doing so, we recognize the importance of tradition, family, community, and the arts, and celebrate the many people who continue to inspire and strengthen Ukrainian dance. Through these awards, we honour their spirit, passion, and commitment, and celebrate the meaningful role they play in our festival and the Ukrainian dance community. The following pages outline the many opportunities for dancers to be recognized and rewarded throughout the festival!

View our past Winners here

Beth and Gerry Pattullo SOLO AWARD

Beth Pattullo believed that hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for one’s craft deserved to be celebrated. She encouraged others to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence, always believing in the power of commitment and perseverance to achieve great things. Together with her husband, Gerry, they instilled in their children and grandchildren a deep appreciation for the arts, culture, and their Scottish heritage. Beth and Gerry always inspired others to reach for the stars and to discover their passions and pursue them with purpose.

The Beth and Gerry Pattullo Solo Scholarship honours this shared legacy by recognizing a solo artist who demonstrates exceptional commitment to dance, along with the skill, passion, determination, and dedication required to pursue their dreams and achieve their fullest potential."

Malia and Brooklyn Pattullo DUET AWARD

Malia and Brooklyn have spent their lives dedicated to Ukrainian dance, and they have always done it together. Their passion for dance began at a young age and has only grown stronger over the years. From little tots to feisty teenagers, they have shared every stage of their journey, growing alongside one another as dancers and as sisters. Today, they continue that journey together as members of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, carrying with them the memories, friendships, and experiences that dance has given them throughout their lives.

Through every stage, they have had each other by their side — encouraging one another, challenging each other to become stronger dancers, and celebrating every achievement along the way. They understand that some of the most meaningful parts of dance happen off the stage, through the friendships and connections built with the people who share that passion. There is something truly special about having a duet partner who knows your strengths, pushes you when you need it, celebrates your successes, and shares in the nerves, excitement, and joy of performing together.

Through this award, Malia and Brooklyn hope to encourage dancers to foster those meaningful bonds with their dance peers and to create the kinds of friendships and memories that can last a lifetime. The Malia and Brooklyn Pattullo Award will be presented to the duet that best demonstrates a shared love of dance and the unbreakable bond between duet partners, both in their performance and in the connection they bring to the stage.

Tanya and Richard Pattullo "Spirit" GROUP AWARD

Tanya and Richard’s passion for Ukrainian dance and their unwavering support for the dancers they love have always been evident. They have been there for every recital, Malanka, and dance festival, cheering on their children, Malia and Brooklyn, every step of the way. But their love for dance has never stopped at their own family. Tanya and Richard are at the heart of the Culture FUZE Dance Festival, helping create a space where dancers of all ages can experience the joy, friendship, tradition, and sense of belonging that Ukrainian dance brings.

As some of the festival’s biggest cheerleaders, they encourage everyone around them to dream big, work hard, and never give up on what they love. They celebrate every achievement, whether it is a dancer stepping on stage for the very first time or a long-awaited accomplishment years in the making. Their enthusiasm, generosity, and genuine belief in others are a reminder that the greatest part of dance is not only what happens on stage, but the people, connections, and memories created along the way.

The Tanya and Richard Pattullo Award will be presented to the group that best demonstrates a genuine passion and love for Ukrainian dance through their performance, embodying the energy, enthusiasm, and joy that Tanya and Richard bring to the dance community."

Lou & Vera Pukal - Teamwork GROUP AWARD

Lou & Vera Pukal were very active in Alberta and British Columbia Ukrainian Dance organizations. Lou & Vera were surrogate parents to all dancers in the club where their children Maury and Tanya danced. Their love of the Ukrainian culture, and their commitment to help the entire team of dancers excel at their craft is the reason for this award. Lou & Vera knew it was a team effort that produced the greatest results. Their open hearts and hospitality offered to all those who entered their home is a reflection in this award. The group that exemplifies team work and team spirit will be rewarded in their memory.

Wesley and Evelyn Robinson DUET AWARD

Wes and Evelyn Robinson spent 70 years of marriage together, enjoying all types of music and dance. Although Evelyn received only ONE formal lesson, overtime, she learned to effortlessly and beautifully play the piano by ear. Wes joined Evelyn by playing the violin and the drums, and these instruments also became enjoyment for their Children, Grandchildren, and later, their Great Grandchildren. Wes and Evelyn’s home was always a place to sing and dance, even with only a moment’s notice. Whenever neighbors heard them playing their music, they would often stop in for the enjoyment and fun. Wes and Evelyn’s music made their home a happy, fun and safe place to be, and their love for music and dance has clearly carried on through the generations. The Wes and Evelyn Robinson Award goes to the DUET that demonstrates enjoyment of their dance, that has a happy and fun presentation, and that clearly exhibits a love for music and dance.

Vera Hampel (Swyck) Heart GROUP AWARD

Vera was a dedicated Teacher/Administrator for 37 years (primarily with the Calgary Board of Education), but more importantly, she was the BEST Mom, the BEST Grandma, and the BEST Role Model. Vera was a proud Ukrainian who was extremely dedicated and loyal to those close to her. Vera defined and maintained a very high standard of excellence for herself, and she held those same standards for everyone she encountered. The only people in her life somewhat exempt from those standards were her children; The cubs got away with a little more than those outside the den. Vera was not only always a part of the big things in her kids and grandkids lives, but also, those small details that no one ever cares about. This $100 award will go to the GROUP that most embodies heart, that demonstrates the importance of those little details, that has a high standard of excellence, but most importantly, that allows for imperfections and room for growth, like Vera’s Cubs were always allowed.