When Halyna and Dennis Elkow joined Shumka, they never thought they’d have opportunities to perform all over the world, including Tunisia and Japan, as well as across Canada. Halyna joined the group in 1964 and danced alongside some of her closest friends under the direction of Chester Kuc. Some of Halyna’s favourite memories were when the group travelled together. And though they always had fun, Halyna remembers how the dancers were always respectful and professional.  She also loved having the opportunity to meet and work with so many people.

“When we stayed at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo in the ‘70s, we met Viktor Lytvynov, who was the director of the National Ballet of Ukraine. Years later in 1990, I travelled with the group to Ukraine. In Lviv, he came backstage after watching our show, and he remembered me! I thought it was funny. We thought it was so exciting to meet him, but it was exciting for him to meet us.”

Dennis Elkow joined the group in 1965, just after Halyna. He first performed with Shumka in 1966 in Jasper with the Dnipro Choir, and continued dancing for 25 years. He also worked behind the scenes making props, decorating sets or the float for the K-Days parade, and working on merchandise. Dennis also worked with Gene Zwozdesky to produce five albums for Shumka. Dennis lived far away, and getting to rehearsal was challenging, but he always made it work, even if he had to hitchhike to rehearsals.

“Shumka was a group of tenacious young people who wanted to dance, perform, and belong to something that was significant. Lots of us came from Ukrainian descent, but that’s changing now, which is a good thing. Shumka is so much more than just Ukrainian, and there are so many new ideas and choreographic presentations. It’s just so vibrant and exciting now.”

Dennis and Halyna met in 1965 at Shumka and have been together since. They both are longtime donors and esteemed members, with Halyna holding a Membership with Distinction and Dennis, an Honourary Membership.

Thank you for your years of dedication to Shumka, Halyna and Dennis.