Trinity Chopyk is an individual who has supported many facets of Shumka – wielding an impressive combination of both artistic and administrative contributions not often seen.

Trinity spent 4 years on the Artistic Committee, providing whatever support was needed to the Artistic Director and other artistic leaders: from artistic lead, to wedding hopaks, company rehearsals and auditions, casting and setting, and the all-important mentoring of probationary members, many of whom have noted that her friendly approach was a perfect mix to her toughness and her high expectations of all in the studio.

Trinity was an instructor at Shumka School for over 8 years, having moved up through the ranks of the school herself, and proved to be a favourite of the students every single year.

In addition, she has also provided extensive support administratively, first on the Executive Board for 7 years, the Standards Committee for 4, and most recently and currently, holds the title of Shumka’s Wardrobe Director since 2015.  This is a demanding position, not the least of which is maintaining a growing inventory of over 1500 costumes, including the creation of a detailed log of washing instructions, storage location and photos of every single set.

Trinity works with the Artistic Team to coordinate the costume needs and fittings for every show; she has participated in costume design and creation; she has weighed costumes as per international travel requirements; provided designs and organizational requests for the new wardrobe room and storage areas and was integral in a seamless transition to the current Shumka facility.

It was noted that every aspect of Trinity’s involvement – dancer, wardrobe, artistic lead, teacher, committee member, mentor and friend – came from her perspective that Shumka is a family, and family is for life.