History
Vuk Karadzic began in the early 1970s as a small group of dancers whose parents immigrated to Canada in hopes of escaping poverty and political unrest in Yugoslavia, to create a better future for their children. The group’s goal from the beginning has been very clear: to provide Serbian youth in Vancouver with the opportunity to embrace their culture and heritage in a positive, supportive environment, all while learning folklor! VK has had hundreds of children, youth, and ‘veterani’ participate in the group over the last 50 years, with multiple generations of dancers from various families: grandparents, parents, and children!
The group was formed in 1971 in tandem with the consecration of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Vancouver. The group’s first teacher, Biljana Sikimić, was VK’s first ever teacher, and helped bring the group together. Jelena (Helen) Savković was her predecessor, and worked diligently with the group for 18 years. Some parents of our 1st ensemble dancers recall dancing with Mrs. Savković as their teacher!
About
Today, Vuk Karadzic boasts over 150 members across 5 ensembles from ages 4 to __, and is known not only as the largest, but as North America’s premiere Serbian folk dance group. Vuk Karadzic continues to showcase and promote Serbian culture, song, and dance both locally and abroad. VK has a national presence, with annual concerts and performances across the Lower Mainland and in Ontario, and internationally, having toured across Europe and the United States. Led by skilled teachers, VK aims to develop and sharpen each dancer’s skills in order to continue producing top-quality choreographies and performances.
Participation in the group provides the opportunity for Serbian youth in Vancouver to embrace their culture and heritage in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Participation in the group also allows our youth to gather, socialize, make new friends, travel, have fun, and become part of the Serbian community in Vancouver.
1st Ensemble: ages 14 – 30+
2nd Ensemble (Sr.): ages X – X
2nd Ensemble (Jr.): ages 11 – X
3rd Ensemble: ages 7 – 10
4th Ensemble: ages 3 – 6
Veterani: ages 40+