Peter has been with Shumka for more than two decades, embarking on his Ukrainian dance journey at the age of eight when he enrolled at the Shumka School of Dance. With dedication and unwavering commitment, he honed his skills as a student, eventually becoming a member of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in 2008. Peter has extensive training in Ukrainian folk,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Natasha began her dance career at Shumka School of Dance at the age of three. Natasha joined the School’s Intensive Division, taking on new dance styles, including Contemporary and Ballet. Natasha’s passion for dance continued to expand and gave her many opportunities to perform and learn new steps. Natasha continued to develop her skills and was introduced to pointe work.…

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…