Kim Bugera grew up Ukrainian dancing in rural Alberta and remembers watching live performances all over the province. She is now the parent to two dancers who have been involved with the Shumka School since they were three years old. On top of taking her kids to dance classes five days a week, she is also on the Fund Development Committee on the Board of Directors and feels it is “good to give back to a strong cultural organization that does a lot for Edmonton and reflects my cultural heritage and background.”

“Other groups try to master the Canadian flair that Shumka has, but Shumka really hits the nail on the head.”

Her children, Jackson (12) and Kiera (14) have both been involved in Shumka productions. Kiera danced in Ancestors & Elders. “It was cool to dance with the professional Shumka company and Running Thunder. They have so much energy and it was so fun.” Jackson was in The Nutcracker and has met some of his best friends in dance. “It’s like being in a big family.”

Her husband, Peter Laansoo, always admired Shumka because to get to 60 years, you’ve gotta be doing something right. He got involved on the charity side quite early because of the great events, including one of his first memories of Shumka in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Olympics. “I like that they put on shows that you actually want to see. It’s important to do traditional Ukrainian dance, but what I really admire is that Shumka is bringing it to the next level and collaborating in performances like Ancestors and Elders that make Canada proud.”

Thank you, Bugera Family.