SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknife may offer up a cold, dark and very long winter, yet those who want to get out of the house have a multitude of options.

Makayla Hartford shows off a classic Ukrainian dance pose. Makayla, who has been dancing since she was five-years old, says Ukrainian dancing is diverse and a lot of fun. - Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo

Many of these cultural, sporting and philanthropic opportunities were on display at Wednesday night's community showcase at the Multiplex.

"I get this overwhelming joy when I pick up the fiddle," said Alice Twa, a youth representative with the Aurora Fiddle Society at the showcase night.

"It takes a little bit to get into it, but once you do and once you find what you're looking for, it's really nice to just play and play with a bunch of other fiddlers in town. It gives me a sense of community."

Twa, who has been playing the fiddle since Grade 4, said there are plenty of opportunities for beginners. Every second Friday night, the society hosts jams with beginner classes, monthly workshops and opportunities to perform gigs with the Fiddle Cats.

Over at the Diamond City Roller Derby table, Kathryn Pomerleau said the group is welcoming to everybody.

The team has players whose ages range from 14 to 40 and some, Pomerleau admits, barely knew how to skate when they joined.

"Commitment, definitely," said Pomerleau of what it takes to make it as a roller girl. "We work very hard in Diamond City Roller Derby to make sure it's a really inclusive space and really supportive and a place to meet people."

Some organizations at the community showcase are still going strong after decades.

The Aurora Ukrainian Dancers are 40-years old this year and member Diane Hartford said it owes its staying power to the group's strong family dynamic. Mothers dance and pass their love of it onto their children, as Hartford did with her daughter Makayla.

Makayla said she loves meeting new people through dance, as well as the variety of routines she gets to learn from different regions of Ukraine.

The clubs and organizations at the community showcase are starting up their operations this month after the summer break and are keen to sign up new members.

Whether it's playing Magic: The Gathering, volunteering with furry animals or joining a fiddle troupe, Yellowknifers have plenty of opportunities to chase away the winter woes.

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