From humble beginnings in small-town Alberta to big international stages;  from the local fabric stores choosing just the right materials to numerous prototypes designed and redesigned in her kitchen until they were perfect; from sewing thousands upon thousands of pieces to standardizing individual Poltava and Hutzul costumes; from cleaning and maintaining the costumes to creating an inventory and labelling process that laid the foundation for the system still used today – all were done under the creative and dedicated care of Elsie Chanasyk.

I read once that “The wardrobe is always the last piece of the puzzle.  When you step into the clothing, that’s the final step to figuring out that character.”   Mrs. Chanasyk’s work with Shumka spanned over 15 years and four national and international tours and helped to create some of the company’s most memorable characters indeed.

Her respect and love for the people of Shumka have made Mrs C. an icon in our history, respected and loved by all in return.