“It’s important to continue the traditions. It was a great learning opportunity for us, to be able to travel the country. I would love that for our children as well.”

Jorn and Leanne (Twaits) Starko first met dancing for Shumka during the early 1990s, performing as part of the Absolutely Shumka tour in 1995 and 1996. The two married in 2000, and have since had three children, all of which are currently enrolled in the Shumka School of Dance. Eldest child Kainoa is currently completing his Grade 2 Diploma, while twins Kalen and Kalea are working on their Grade 1. Shumka is more than a dance company, it’s a family; we’re proud to have two generations of Starkos as part of it. Thank you Jorn, Leanne, Kainoa, Kalen, and Kalea.