Over their many years of dedication to the Shumka legacy, the Mucha family has contributed to many large-scale projects.
One such project that Marilyn is particularly proud of is the Shumka Stage in Louise McKinney Park, a project which she together with her family was pivotal in fundraising and organizing. But Marilyn’s time with Shumka actually began in 1971.
“Back then, everyone volunteered beyond just dancing and we helped out in the ways we could. We had many people with a variety of skills and mine were in accounting.” Over the years, Marilyn held several positions in the company, including treasurer, choreographer and Artistic Director of half a show in 1977. She played one of the lead characters in “A Mother’s Tears” in 1984 and shared the stage with her sister Terry, brother John, and John’s wife Michele. More recently, she donated her interior design expertise to the new Shumka Dance Centre, she now serves on the Fund Development Committee and is a promoter of planned giving. Marilyn was awarded a Membership with Distinction for her years of commitment.
Terry danced in Shumka from 1974 until 1987 and during that time assumed many roles: from secretary to president on the executive, as a choreographer, and she served on the artistic committee for two major tours. Even though Terry eventually stopped dancing, she never really left. From 2014-2016, she held the critical position of Executive Director. Terry is currently a Board Member, is on the Alumni Association committee, is chair of the Fund Development Committee, and is also an Honourary Member of Shumka.
Terry saw first hand how the Shumka family came together when the Shumka Stage was created and opened in 2007, and again in 2016 with the move to the Shumka Dance Centre. “It was so heartwarming to see all aspects of the company unite to ensure the move went smoothly.”
Born into a Shumka family with mom Terry, Tim Lynn grew up listening to all sorts of Shumka stories. Tim’s Ukrainian dance career led him to joining and performing with Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir for several years. He currently sits on Shumka’s Board of Directors offering his expertise in finance, including assisting in setting up an Endowment Fund as a way to make Shumka a more sustainable organization. He is also a member of the Finance and the Fund Development Committees.
John and his wife Michele met when they danced in Zirka and were taught by Terry and by John Pichlyk. Michele joined Shumka and danced from 1983-88. To her, Shumka really meant family. She especially cherished the time spent sharing the stage and studio with her husband, two brothers, Daryl and David Warawa, sisters-in-law, and even with her daughter Ashton and nephew Tim at the Shumka Stage opening. While dancing in Shumka, Michele studied graphic design, working alongside fellow dancers Michael Sulyma and Darka Tarnawsky who helped her develop strong skills and connections in her chosen profession. Michele has created and designed many memorable projects for Shumka.
Only six weeks after John was accepted into the company in 1981, he was given the privilege of performing in a national broadcast in Ottawa for then–U.S. President Ronald Reagan. John also held a major role as the Lisovyk in Shumka’s 1988 production of Enchanted Love (which required hydraulics to make him grow). John also performed for Queen Elizabeth II in 1982 and travelled to Hong Kong and across Canada several times. But the most memorable performances for him were Shumka weddings.
“Shumka wedding performances were especially meaningful because we knew those people personally, and we celebrated their most important event with and for them.”
While John is very fond of his performance memories, the real fun was the parties. Everyone played as hard as they worked, with well-organized social events like the legendary “Shumka Olympics” at the Mucha farm.
The Muchas are all generous donors to Shumka. We can’t thank them enough for their decades of exemplary service and commitment to Shumka.
