Orest Yusypchuk performed in a concert with Ukrainian dance master Vasyl Avramenko, and shortly after, became one of Shumka’s first members. He loved dancing in Shumka, but eventually had to hang up his boots due to an injury. At the beginning, Orest remembers having to ask Chester Kuc’s dad for (only) $300 to cover the cost of a performance at the Jubilee Auditorium, but since then he’s watched the organization grow into a success. He has watched the company draw in success, as the dancers started teaching throughout Alberta, and the company started touring and performing around Alberta, Canada, and eventually, the world.

Orest continued to be involved in the Ukrainian dance community in other ways after his retirement from Shumka. He taught Ukrainian dance at St. John’s Institute, and sang with Dnipro choir for many years.

Orest continues to show his support for Shumka with his generous donations to the company, and ticket purchases to every one of Shumka’s productions.