He/Him

Nick Hynek, originally from Lloydminster, AB, has been immersed in Ukrainian dance for over 23 years. His journey with Shumka began in 2022, fulfilling a dream sparked at age 10 when he saw his first Shumka performance. Since joining Shumka, Nick has been able to perform in many memorable productions such as Mosquito’s Wedding (2022), Space Coast Ballet’s Nutcracker (2022) and Shumka’s Nutcracker (2023).

Deeply rooted in the Ukrainian community, Nick has taught at several dance schools across Alberta and currently serves as President of the Alberta Ukrainian Dance Association, where he champions the promotion of Ukrainian culture through dance. Nick has demonstrated this through his organization of the Kozatska Sich male workshop which aims to encourage young male dancers to improve their training through the art of dance. In recognition of his contributions, Nick was honoured at the Edmonton Oilers’ Ukrainian Heritage Night in February 2025.

Nick is also a respected teacher/adjudicator at dance festivals throughout the province. He holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education from the University of Alberta (2017) and had the life-changing opportunity to teach at Novopecherska School in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2021. Upon returning to Canada due to the conflict in Ukraine, he joined Shumka in February 2022, continuing to share his passion for Ukrainian dance with audiences across the country. Nick currently is a junior high teacher with Edmonton Catholic Schools.