Murray Steele has been in Shumka for over 14 years, but has been involved in the Alberta Ukrainian dance community his whole life. Murray began Ukrainian dancing over 31 years ago and has been an active dancer ever since. During his extensive dance career, Murray has had the pleasure of performing with the Viter and Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensembles, as well as guest performing with Cite Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Goh Ballet, and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Additionally, he has had special opportunities to share the stage with Ruslana, Virsky, and most recently, the National Ballet of Ukraine on their 2024 U.S Tour.

Murray received his early training from Doug Rachinski at Dance Unlimited in Edmonton where he graduated from the Shumka Ukrainian Dance Syllabus. While there, he also began studying ballet and finished his formal ballet training by completing his Intermediate Cecchetti exam.

In the broader Ukrainian community, Murray has been the secretary of the Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association board for 3 years, and a Ukrainian Dance teacher for over 19 years. Previously, Murray received the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts Top 30 under 30 award for his contribution to the Ukrainian Arts in Alberta.

When not immersed in the Ukrainian dance community, Murray is a Geriatric Social Worker for the CHOICE program.