Andrea Chmilar (Stelmach) joined Shumka in 1999, a dream come true. Her instructor at the time, Shelley Borowski, inspired her to reach for the stage and aspire to be the energy and passion of the Hopak. For many years she was a member of the executive committee of the Alumni Association and has given the alumni a few opportunities to…
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As President of the Shevchenko Foundation, a national, chartered philanthropic institution dedicated to the preservation, promotion and development of the Ukrainian Canadian cultural heritage, Andriy Hladyshevsky has seen first-hand the benefit that Shumka has brought to all of Canada. “It becomes really obvious when you receive hundreds of grant applications when an amazing one sticks out. That one is always…
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Cecilia Laskoski is a member of Seniors Can Shumka, Silver Swans, a proud godmother of Zachary Wynnyk, (a Shumka dancer), and a donor to Shumka. She was a hospital pharmacist who worked for many years, terrified of retirement because it meant she wouldn’t be able to meet people anymore. Once she finally did retire, she wanted to get involved with…
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In 1970, Dick Wong took on the role of developing multicultural programs for the Province of Alberta. He didn’t know anything about multiculturalism back then, but one of the first things he did was travel across the province with members of Shumka as part of the Folk Arts Council, and later to Japan. So began a lifelong relationship. He learned…
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Tamsin Carreck first began dance classes at the age of four in Doncaster, England. She started taking exams in RAD ballet, ISTD Modern Theatre, ISTD Tap, ISTD National Dance and ISTD Imperial ballet at the age of six. She performed in many dance competitions, including the All England Dance competition, where she received medal placing. As a child, Tamsin had…
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Mrs. Kanevets comes from Kyiv, Ukraine, and has dedicated herself to the art of dance her entire life. In 1981, Mrs. Kanevets was accepted into the Kyiv State Institute of Culture, Faculty of Choreography, wherein 1985, she graduated with Honours and received her Ballet master’s degree. Mrs. Kanevets spent 11 years in the position of dance teacher and administrator of…
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Tasha Orysiuk is a highly respected and accomplished dance educator, adjudicator and choreographer in Canada, having trained extensively in various disciplines under internationally-renowned artists in Canada, the United States, England, and Ukraine. Tasha achieved her Advanced Dance Certificates in tap, ballet, jazz, modern, and national dancing, in addition to holding numerous other teaching credentials, which make her a highly sought-after…
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Toronto-born Paul Olijnyk began his association with Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in 2001 when he moved to Edmonton and joined the company to pursue his passion for Ukrainian dance. Since then, Paul has taught Ukrainian dance throughout Alberta, adjudicates dance festivals throughout Western Canada, and has been a guest choreographer for dance ensembles in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. He…
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Stephanie, 2017 Mayor’s Award for the Arts nominee, is the Artistic Director of Viva Dance Company. Under their leadership, the company has performed 300 times to date and is a staple in the Edmonton arts community. Stephanie was part of the world renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers as a dancer, choreographer, and artistic consultant in which time they toured across Canada…
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With 45 years of dance to his credit, Dave Ganert has become one of Canada’s leading choreographers and directors. Mr. Ganert’s extensive accumulated training in Ukrainian, ballet, character, modern and theatre can be seen in many of his creations. Over the course of his career, Mr. Ganert has instructed 20 dance schools to more than 3,000 students, instructed workshops all…
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