She/Her

Since she was a young girl watching from the audience, Leda Tarnawsky has aspired to be a Shumka Dancer. She began her dance training at the age of four and three years later, joined the Shumka School where she discovered her love for Ukrainian dance.

In 2018, Leda successfully auditioned for the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Since joining the company, she has performed in productions including Ancestors & Elders, Mosquito’s Wedding, and UKRAINKA. She has performed with the company across Canada as part of Shumka on Tour and toured the Eastern United States in Nadiya Ukraine, a collaboration with the National Ballet of Ukraine. She also appeared as a guest artist in Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker.

Portraying Clara in Shumka’s Ukrainian Nutcracker has been an especially meaningful experience for Leda. She is profoundly grateful to share in bringing this cherished production to life, honouring its spirit, storytelling, and the joy it brings to audiences of all ages.