Leda Tarnawsky started dancing at the age of 4, and joined the Shumka School in grade 2. She grew up watching Shumka and attended many performances. After graduating from the School, Leda auditioned for the company and has been a current dancer for 2 years, learning and performing the dances she grew up watching. Leda is also passionate about teaching Ukrainian dance, and has been instructing at the School for 3 years. “It’s so inspiring to see young dancers have the same love for Ukrainian dance as you did.”

Leda’s parents, Darka and Wally Tarnawsky, and grandfather, Myron, all danced in the company. Myron danced for a short period and after retiring, continued as Shumka’s first business manager.

Darka danced in the company for 8 years after joining in 1984. She had many roles, including President of the company’s executive committee. Though she loved performing, Darka took an interest in the marketing, fundraising, and promotional work for Shumka, which inspired her to start her company, Bottom Line Productions. In addition to her role at Bottom Line, Darka is Shumka’s current Executive Director, working on touring, programming, funding, and strategic direction for the company.

Wally has contributed much of his time and effort to Shumka in many ways. In 2016, when Shumka needed a new rehearsal space, Wally was part of the team who spent months renovating the new Shumka Dance Centre. He also returned to the stage with Shumka as a caroller in the Nutcracker for numerous seasons, and is part of the production team.

Wally and Darka danced together in Shumka for a couple of years – including the historic Ukraine tour in 1990. After retiring from Shumka, they were married and had a son, Kassian and daughter, Leda.

“Shumka’s Nutcracker shows in Victoria and Edmonton in 2019 were very special to our family. Leda and Wally were on stage and I was there as Executive Director. And in Edmonton, Kassian and Myron were in the audience.” So many connections that lead back to Shumka. They are also ongoing donors to the organization. “Shumka gave us a lot. We value that and wish to continue to support it.”

Thank you Myron, Darka, Wally, and Leda.