“You find out who you are as a person, you find out who your friends are, you bond as a company on tour. Some of the best times of my life were on that stage. It’s an opportunity the kids [in the company] today deserve, to share that gift.” Les Sereda joined Shumka in 1991, performing with the company in numerous productions…

“It’s always important to find ways to pay it back. What has Shumka given to us? Let’s make sure that we help make sure this legacy [exists] for future generations.” Vincent Rees moved to Edmonton to join Shumka in 1992, going on to dance across  Canada as part of the Absolutely Shumka, Cinderella, and Nutcracker tours throughout the 1990s. In addition to dancing, Rees has been involved…

“I’m very much looking forward to touring with Shumka on the production side of things…once you’re here, you never leave. It’s in my blood, it’s what I do.” Trinity Chopyk joined Shumka in 2001. She toured China three times with the company, and danced as part of Shumka’s 50th Anniversary performances. Throughout her 15-year career, Trinity remained highly involved with wardrobe, sitting on the Artistic Committee and serving as Costume Director.…

“The fundraising is so important. From the costumes to the music to the studio space, we need everyone’s support to keep [Shumka] going.” Russ and Nadine Samycia met dancing for Shumka in the 1980s. After successful careers, they retired from dancing to start a family. Now their children, Johnnie and Katie, are both in the midst of their careers with Shumka, having met their partners Stefania and…

“The passion was always there…there were always things to do, and it was always exciting with Shumka.” Gordon and Marion Ostapchuk have been around Shumka for nearly as long as Shumka has been around. Joining in 1961, Marion went on to spend 42 years instructing multiple generations of Ukrainian dancers; at one point, her students made up the majority of the company. One of her earliest students was…

“So many people come and go through Shumka, and to be able to leave a bit of us behind…it means a lot. Especially when the ones we love [aren’t here], it’s wonderful to come into the studio knowing that a little bit of this is a little bit of Lorrie.” Few families have given so selflessly to Shumka as the Sulymas. Michael and Lorraine…

“[It’s about] connecting to a collective compassion, like Shumka. It’s so important to have this connection, even with a handful of people, that you can trust, and be trustingly courageous…compassionate…and giving.” Ed Paproski is one of Shumka’s Senior dancers, and a shining example of the lifelong joy and happiness Shumka has brought so many over the last sixty years. A fervent supporter and generous donor, Ed’s passion…