“What would it be like if there wasn’t Shumka? What would your world look like? What would you aspire to on that cold February evening? There are those moments that we need to not take for granted.”

John Pichlyk’s 40-year journey with Shumka began in 1976, following periods of study in New York and with the famed Virsky Dance Academy in Ukraine. By 1982, he had become Shumka’s Artistic Director, guiding our artistic evolution until 1996. Later, he served as a choreographer and artistic chair. The City of Edmonton recognized his contributions earlier this year by inducting him into the Edmonton Arts and Culture Hall of Fame.

John’s creative vision has left an indelible mark on Shumka. It is nearly impossible to imagine what Shumka would be without him. Thank you, John.