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…

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…

Abigail began her dance journey in Fort McMurray with the Avrora Ukrainian dancers at the age of four. When she was eight years old, following her family to Edmonton, she enrolled in the Shumka School of Dance. Her experience in dance grew as she took part in different styles such as RAD ballet and contemporary movement, as well as Shumka…

Ava Moser started her Ukrainian dance journey at the age of three in Fort McMurray, taking ballet and tap lessons. After going to see her first Shumka show that year, she fell in love with Ukrainian dance. She then enrolled with the Avrora Ukrainian Dancers in 2007 before ultimately moving to Edmonton to join Shumka School in 2014. After graduating…

Kelsey is a multi-talented individual with a lifelong dedication to Ukrainian dance. Her journey began in rural Alberta, where she discovered her love for dance. She danced throughout rural Alberta before joining the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in 2010. In addition to her dance career, Kelsey has been teaching Ukrainian dance in Alberta since 2005 and has been a guest…

Joshua Pacholok began Ukrainian dancing at the age of five when he was enrolled at the Shumka School of Dance. In 2016, after a two-year break from dance, Josh returned to the studio, both nervous and eager to continue his dance journey. As Josh’s passion for dance continued to grow, he entered Shumka School’s Intensive Division where he had the…

Leda Tarnawsky began her dance training at the Shumka School of Dance, where she completed the nine year syllabus program in Ukrainian character dance, R.A.D. ballet, and contemporary movement. Leda’s training was supplemented by a summer of regional workshops and performances throughout Ukraine in 2017. In 2018, Leda successfully auditioned for the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and has since performed in…