She/Her

Arlyssa McArthur began her dance journey at a young age, training and competing in a wide range of genres including ballet—studying in the ISTD, Vaganova, and RAD methods—as well as jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and contemporary. Inspired by the Shumka productions she attended throughout her childhood, Arlyssa auditioned for the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers in 2016, despite having no formal background in Ukrainian dance. Her passion, adaptability, and commitment earned her a place in the company, where she has since found deep artistic fulfillment and lasting friendships.

Since joining Shumka, Arlyssa has performed extensively across North America, sharing her Ukrainian heritage through powerful storytelling and dynamic choreography. She has danced in Shumka’s major productions, including Nutcracker, Kobzar, Ancestors & Elders, Mosquito’s Wedding, and Echoes of Hopak. She has also had the privilege of collaborating with internationally renowned companies such as the Victoria Symphony, Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America, the National Opera of Ukraine’s Ballet, and the Virsky National Folk Dance Ensemble of Ukraine. Arlyssa holds a special connection to Shumka’s 60th Anniversary Tour, which she describes as a meaningful celebration of culture, community, and tradition.

In addition to her work with Shumka, Arlyssa is a practicing visual designer. She earned her Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication Design from the University of Alberta and currently works professionally in the field. She also holds a diploma in Full Stack Web Development, broadening her creative expertise into the digital space with a strong foundation in both design and coding. Outside of dance and design, Arlyssa enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time on her family’s historic Ukrainian homestead, where she finds peace in nature and meaningful time with loved ones.