Toronto-born Paul Olijnyk began his association with Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in 2001 when he moved to Edmonton and joined the company to pursue his passion for Ukrainian dance. Since then, Paul has taught Ukrainian dance throughout Alberta, adjudicates dance festivals throughout Western Canada, and has been a guest choreographer for dance ensembles in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. He…

Stephanie, 2017 Mayor’s Award for the Arts nominee, is the Artistic Director of Viva Dance Company. Under their leadership, the company has performed 300 times to date and is a staple in the Edmonton arts community. Stephanie was part of the world renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers as a dancer, choreographer, and artistic consultant in which time they toured across Canada…

With 45 years of dance to his credit, Dave Ganert has become one of Canada’s leading choreographers and directors. Mr. Ganert’s extensive accumulated training in Ukrainian, ballet, character, modern and theatre can be seen in many of his creations. Over the course of his career, Mr. Ganert has instructed 20 dance schools to more than 3,000 students, instructed workshops all…

Kelsey is a multi-talented individual with a lifelong dedication to Ukrainian dance. Her journey began in rural Alberta, where she discovered her love for dance. She danced throughout rural Alberta before joining the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in 2010. In addition to her dance career, Kelsey has been teaching Ukrainian dance in Alberta since 2005 and has been a guest…

Natasha began her dance career at Shumka School of Dance at the age of three. Natasha joined the School’s Intensive Division, taking on new dance styles, including Contemporary and Ballet. Natasha’s passion for dance continued to expand and gave her many opportunities to perform and learn new steps. Natasha continued to develop her skills and was introduced to pointe work.…

Abigail began her dance journey in Fort McMurray with the Avrora Ukrainian dancers at the age of four. When she was eight years old, following her family to Edmonton, she enrolled in the Shumka School of Dance. Her experience in dance grew as she took part in different styles such as RAD ballet and contemporary movement, as well as Shumka…

Ava Moser started her Ukrainian dance journey at the age of three in Fort McMurray, taking ballet and tap lessons. After going to see her first Shumka show that year, she fell in love with Ukrainian dance. She then enrolled with the Avrora Ukrainian Dancers in 2007 before ultimately moving to Edmonton to join Shumka School in 2014. After graduating…

Joshua Pacholok began Ukrainian dancing at the age of five when he was enrolled at the Shumka School of Dance. In 2016, after a two-year break from dance, Josh returned to the studio, both nervous and eager to continue his dance journey. As Josh’s passion for dance continued to grow, he entered Shumka School’s Intensive Division where he had the…

Leda Tarnawsky began her dance training at the Shumka School of Dance, where she completed the nine year syllabus program in Ukrainian character dance, R.A.D. ballet, and contemporary movement. Leda’s training was supplemented by a summer of regional workshops and performances throughout Ukraine in 2017. In 2018, Leda successfully auditioned for the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and has since performed in…

Coming soon. awaller@shaw.ca