In the Zwozdesky household, Shumka was a family thing—everyone wanted to be involved in it. Gene joined in 1963 and after dancing for about 5 years, he shifted his energy to focus on Shumka’s music. For 25 years, Gene composed, spliced (by hand), and created hundreds of pieces of music for Shumka. Even after retiring as Music Director, Gene continued supporting the company as an advisor and consultant in whichever area he was needed. His support for Shumka never wavered. Shumka was a big part of Gene’s life, and it still is for Christine, Ariana, Myron, and families.

When Christine entered Shumka, she knew she was joining for the long-haul. Even before joining, her parents were supporters of Shumka. Over her 13 years in the group, Christine invested more of her time, using skills that weren’t specifically dance.

“For most of us, being a dancer wasn’t the biggest commitment. We were really building something, and that took strong leadership skills. We learned how to self-govern and we put in a lot of time and effort. It really was a magical time.”

After all her time dedicated to the company, and even after she’s tried stepping away, she’s always drawn back to Shumka, and it’s always exciting to see what the company has become.

For Zwozdesky children Ariana and Myron, Shumka was always a part of life at home. For them both, it was a no-brainer when it came to auditioning. Ariana danced with Shumka for 4 years, travelling to China as a part of the cast of Shumka’s Cinderella. Myron danced for a short time in 2004 and 2005. Even before he danced in the company, he was enchanted with Shumka’s productions, especially Cinderella. But their parents, and especially his Father, Gene, were also strong factors in the decision to audition.

“Some of my best memories of Dad are of him sitting at his white draft table, looking out of the window, composing, putting notes together.” – Myron

“I’d second that. The smell of those erasers and the manuscript paper, hearing the music before anyone else had the chance to; you heard it as it was coming out of Dad’s mouth. You really felt a part of that Shumka magic, because that’s what we lived every single day.” – Ariana

Myron and his wife, Crystal, met through Shumka. Growing up, the Shumka name was well-known in Crystal’s home. Her parents weren’t dancers themselves but were supportive when Crystal told them she wanted to dance in Shumka one day, and in 2006, Crystal joined the company.

“When we got in, the friends who I got in with all said, ‘Oh my God we’re finally here.’ You put your whole heart and soul, your blood, sweat and tears into the studio three times a week, and it was just the best.”

The tradition continues as Gene and Christine’s grandchildren are young dancers in the Shumka School.

In addition to their many contributions to Shumka on so many levels, the Zwozdeskys are also generous donors to the organization. We cannot thank them enough for all the magic they have brought to the whirlwind.

Consider a donation to Shumka, especially in these uncertain times. Visit https://www.shumka.com/support/donate/ for more information.