When Shelley Borowski joined Shumka, the group had just returned from a tour and the buzz was still fresh. Her first performance at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary helped her start her Shumka career on a high note, which just kept going up from there.

Shelley fell in love with dance, which eventually led her to become more involved in the community. Over 33 years, Shelley taught dance to build passion and create excitement for dancers of the next generations. As a teacher at Shumka School, Shelley also volunteered with the wardrobe team—something she chose to honour her mother, who was a talented seamstress always very involved in costuming, stitching, and sewing.

Shelley credits Shumka with the organization, social, dance, and teaching skills that got her to where she is today.As program director at the Stollery Hospital, Shelley is always organizing events. When Shelley was asked to organize Shumka’s 60th Anniversary Gala Banquet, however, she didn’t see it as work. For her, it was another opportunity to give back to the community that had given her so much.

“Shumka to me has always been bigger than just the stage. Shumka to me, means community. There’s a place for everyone, dancers and non-dancers alike, so I encourage everyone to come to the banquet.”

For your continued dedication across many roles, we thank you, Shelley.