She/Her
Tasha Orysiuk is a highly respected and accomplished Canadian dance educator, adjudicator, and choreographer, with extensive training across multiple disciplines under internationally renowned artists in Canada, the U.S., England, and Ukraine. Her credentials include an ARAD Teaching Diploma, AISTD Teaching Diploma National Branch, PBT Level 3 Certification, and Silver Swans License, along with many additional certifications that make her a highly sought-after instructor, examiner, and adjudicator.
Tasha has been instrumental in developing and notating the Shumka Dance Syllabus Academy’s syllabi and the accompanying Classical Ballet Instructors Manual. She also serves as a course tutor and examiner for the Shumka Dance Syllabus. Over her career, she has adjudicated numerous festivals and competitions across Western Canada and has earned several choreographic accolades. Currently, Tasha teaches at the Shumka School of Dance, including her inclusive “Shumka for Everyone” classes.
As a Toronto resident, Tasha toured internationally with the Arkan Dance Company before pursuing studies at the Institute of Ukrainian Folk Dance in Lviv, Ukraine. She joined the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in Edmonton in 1996, touring nationally in acclaimed productions such as Absolutely Shumka and Cinderella, the latter earning her artistic recognition. Another performance highlight was being selected among 14 Shumka dancers to tour the Eastern U.S. with The Nutcracker – A Ballet Fantasy alongside members of the Kyiv Ballet in 1997 and 1999.
Tasha joined Shumka’s Artistic Team in 2015 as a repetiteur, contributing to projects like Clara’s Dream and Kobzar. In 2017, she became Shumka’s Creative Director alongside Paul Olijnyk, focusing on dancer training, choreography, and artistic mentorship. Her recent choreographic works include Ancestors and Elders, Mosquito’s Wedding, Echoes of Hopak, and Ukrainka, with involvement in Shumka’s film projects, Promised Land, Mosquito’s Wedding 3D, and Ukrainka. She also joined Shumka on their latest Eastern US tour with the National Ballet of Ukraine.
“I am honored to be the next artistic director of Shumka. This company has been an important part of my life for many years, and stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility. Shumka represents an incredible legacy in Ukrainian dance and culture, and I am eager to bring my vision to the company. I hope to honor the traditions that have built Shumka while also exploring new directions to inspire both our dancers and audiences alike.”
ARAD Teaching Diploma
AISTD Teaching Diploma, National Branch
ISDSA, Examiner
Silver Swans Licensed Instructor
