Dance as a collaborative art involves the painstaking grind of ongoing dedication, training, precision, interpretation, reinterpretation, balanced critique, gentle and earnest discourse, growth, discovery and eventually: BEAUTY. As artists, we know that this culmination point is not necessarily what we expect it to be at the outset, but those who have walked the road enough times know that it can only be reached by taking the right steps, humbly, gracefully and together. This recipient embodies this process as well as anyone we know.
Tasha Orysiuk possesses a remarkable talent when it comes to dance creation. Her extensive choreographic contributions to Shumka include pieces in Cinderella, Mosquito’s Wedding, Tyzh mene, Halia, Kolomeyka with Ruslana, Harvest Angels, and Ancestors & Elders.
When Tasha accepted the role of Creative Director in 2018, she worked tirelessly to create a new culture within Shumka; one of discipline, consistency, and deep respect among all dancers. She is determined to keep the artistic process organized and on track and has visibly raised the bar for a new standard of technical excellence, always pushing those around her to be their best.
Tasha is the longest serving instructor at the Shumka School, having joined the team over 25 years ago. She held the position of SSD Principal for 2 years and has mentored and nurtured countless dancers and instructors. Tasha has been involved with the Shumka Dance Syllabus almost since its inception, developing a classical ballet manual to accompany the syllabus, annotating and recording every syllabus exercise (nearly 200!) and creating the school’s Pre-Beginner and Beginner programs.
Tasha is the current instructor for the Seniors Can Shumka and Silver Swans programs, and contributor to the Whirlwind Dance Discovery field trips for elementary-aged children throughout Edmonton and area schools.
She has been one of Shumka’s most talented dancers, holding deep respect for what the body can do, and exhibiting boundless energy to make magic happen. She is a prolific creative force who stands behind the quality of every product she puts on stage. She is a courageous leader, a unique talent in the Shumka family, and a fiercely loyal friend.
