Nikolai began his dance career at the Shumka School of Dance when he was three years old. He decided to take the next step in his dance career by enrolling in the Intensive Division when it was first created in 2014. This marked the beginning of more rigorous Ukrainian, R.A.D. Ballet, and contemporary dance training. Along with this, Nikolai expanded his career by helping instruct dance classes at the Shumka School. He now has his Tier 1 Shumka Dance Syllabus Academy Certification, and five years of instructional experience. In 2017, Nikolai, along with his Shumka School classmates, travelled to Ukraine to perform and study dance. He participated in numerous workshops, including a workshop with the famed Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble of Ukraine. In 2018, Nikolai graduated from the Shumka School of Dance, and continued his career with Studia Shumka during its inaugural year. Nikolai had the opportunity to dance with Shumka during the premiere of Mosquito’s Wedding in 2018, and with the Alberta Ballet School in 2019’s Cinderella. He is now a probationary member of Shumka. Mr. Nikolai’s favorite regions of Ukraine are Pokuttia and Volyn.