He/Him Marko Lepki has been training and performing Ukrainian dance since the age of three. Growing up with Verkhovyna School of Ukrainian Dance, he was inspired by Shumkas rendition of the Nutcracker to grow as dancer and take on the style with stronger intention and soul. This led to eventually joining Studia Shumka in 2024. His love for dance carried…
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She/Her Ellie began dancing at the age of three, training at the Shumka School of Dance. After graduating from the school, she continued to develop her skills and passion through Studia Shumka. Currently a student at Archbishop Jordan High School, Ellie is preparing to begin her final year in Grade 12. Her love for Ukrainian dance has been inspired by…
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She/Her Brooklyn Pattullo started Ukrainian dancing when she was just 3 years old, and with that came a deep love for dance. At 8, she began competitive dancing in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles. After graduating high school and moving to Edmonton, she chose to continue her dance journey with Studia Shumka. She is currently studying at the University…
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He/Him Cowan began dancing at the age of three with the Thorhild Ukrainian Dance Society. He later joined the Shumka School of Dance alongside his siblings, where he took classes in both Ukrainian dance and ballet. During his time with the school, he performed as a child in Shumka’s Nutcracker for two consecutive years, as well as in Ancestors & Elders. In 2023,…
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She/Her Maria started dancing at the age of five with Ardrossan Yatran, where she discovered a passion for Ukrainian dance. During her time at Ardrossan Yatran she volunteered as a junior instructor for seven years. While competing she won an Adjudicators choice award in 2021 at the Fort Saskatchewan Dance competition. She has danced with Studia Shumka for two years,…
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The Director of Studia Shumka is Alyssa Eugenio. She is officially the head of the ensemble and the key point of communication between the Studia dancers and other aspects of the Shumka organization. Alyssa began her dance career studying Ukrainian and ballet, and has supplemented her training to include tap, jazz, and hip hop. Since becoming a member of the…
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He/Him Brenden Kuzma began his dance career in his hometown town of Prince George, British Columbia. He moved to Alberta in 2011 to pursue his dream of dancing with Edmonton’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Dancing with the company from 2011 to 2019, Brenden was involved in many different areas of the company including the dancer executive as props director, the artistic…
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