• Progressive Pathway: Our planned progressive program takes students from School to performing company.
• Inclusive Community: We foster a warm and welcoming community atmosphere where everyone can feel a sense of belonging.
• Diverse Programming: Our programs cater to a wide range of ages, starting from as young as three years old, and offer a variety of class options to suit different preferences, interests, and schedules.
• R.A.D. Ballet Training: We provide training in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) ballet program, including opportunities for ballet examinations.
• Unique Ukrainian Dance Curriculum: We are proud to offer Canada’s only Ukrainian dance curriculum, known as Shumka’s Syllabus for Ukrainian Dance, providing a distinct and comprehensive approach to this art form.
• Youth Development: We offer the popular Junior Instructor and Leader-in-Training programs designed to empower and develop our youth.
• Exceptional Instructors: Our team consists of highly qualified and experienced Ukrainian dance instructors who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality training.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the exciting opportunity to showcase their talents with two performances per season at the prestigious Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
• Shumka Productions: There are opportunities for students to actively participate in Shumka’s own productions.
• School-wide productions: Our large School-wide dance productions, including all-girls and all-boys dances, are truly special. These productions are typically organized every two to three years, not on an annual basis.

CORE PROGRAM

Starting at age six, the Core Program brings together the best of dance instruction, training, choreography and performance opportunities within a positive and supportive learning environment. Admission to the Core Program is based on age and dance ability as determined by the Shumka School Principal, and there is no audition requirement.

In the Core Program, students enroll in the Core Ukrainian Shumka Syllabus class. Additionally, while the School suggests that students also consider enrolling in a Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Ballet class, this is not mandatory for participation in the Core Program. All students follow Shumka’s Syllabus for Ukrainian Dance, which includes training and learning Ukrainian dance choreographies. These two components, training and choreography, are the foundation of a Core Ukrainian class.

The Pre-Beginner and Beginner program, available from ages 3 to 5, focuses on teaching the fundamental skills necessary to establish a strong foundation and foster enjoyment of Ukrainian dance. The material covered in these programs prepares students for the Shumka Syllabus, which officially begins at age six with Grade 1. It is recommended for students to commence Grade 1 at age six, as this ensures the most suitable long-term physical progression in line with the material taught at each age level.

It is important to note that each grade in the Shumka Syllabus is designed to align with a specific age and corresponding physical growth level. For instance, if a dancer starts Grade 1 at age five, they will be one year younger than the expected physical level for Grade 4 by the time they reach that stage.

INTENSIVE DIVISION

The professional world of dance is known for its vibrant energy and dedication to the art form. Within this realm, the Intensive Division provides comprehensive training to dancers who aspire to broaden their dance horizons. To thrive in this program, individuals must possess a sense of commitment, unwavering passion, and self-motivation, as it upholds high standards. Dancers who engage in the Intensive Division undergo a transformational journey by honing their skills in various aspects of Ukrainian dance. This includes refining their technique, embracing performance artistry, cultivating a unique style, mastering the art of storytelling through dance, deepening their understanding of ethnographic nuances, building self-confidence, and nurturing their creative spirit. The majority of the present Shumka Dance Company members have come from this program.

Participation in the Intensive Division necessitates successfully passing an annual audition. It is important to note that the Intensive Division complements the Core Program, and as such, Ukrainian dance classes within the Core Program incorporate a blend of both Core and Intensive students.

Students within the Intensive Division are required to enroll in specific classes, which typically include the main choreography class, one or two classes in R.A.D. Ballet, and an additional class of the dancer’s choosing. The third-class option offers flexibility and can be another R.A.D. Ballet class or a Tricks class, catering to the dancer’s interests and growth. Furthermore, students in the highest-level of the Intensive Division are enrolled in the Shumka Repertoire class, further enhancing their skills, repertoire, and style.

Placements within the Intensive Division are determined solely based on the dancer’s demonstrated abilities during the audition process.

New and Prospective Shumka School Families

Please contact June Eeles at the Shumka Office (780.455.9559) for your class placement guide sheet and for more information.

Placement and Registration

After the dance season concludes, parents receive a Class Placement Guide Sheet for their child. This sheet provides essential details for the upcoming season, including class schedules and instructor information. Parents use this guide sheet to register their child online at shumka.com, often with an early registration fee incentive. The goal is to allow each dancer to progress at their own pace for a rewarding experience. Class placements can be adjusted during the first few weeks of the new season, with input from instructors and the School Principal.

Core Program placements are based on age and dance ability as determined by the Shumka School Principal, and there is no audition requirement.

Placements within the Intensive Division are determined solely based on the dancer’s demonstrated abilities during the audition process. All students participating in the Intensive Division must also enroll in at least one ballet class.

Ballet placements are based solely on age and corresponding ability as determined by the Shumka School Ballet Mistress. The pre-requisite for pointe and ballet choreography classes is two syllabus ballet classes per week. Students at the Intermediate Foundation ballet level and above, including Intermediate, must attend two classes per week for safety and to provide the best possible programming between the two classes.

Pre-Beginner and Beginner placement is determined solely by age: Pre-Beginner students fall within the age range of three and four, while Beginner students are typically five years old.

Since 1994, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers have placed a strong emphasis on the development and implementation of the Shumka Syllabus for Ukrainian Dance. This syllabus has been meticulously crafted to provide comprehensive skill training for dancers of all ages, starting from the age of six and beyond. The program was originally conceived by Mr. Douglas Rachinski, with the ballet component by Mrs. Tasha Orysiuk.

Shumka’s Syllabus serves as a crucial tool in elevating the technical execution of Ukrainian dance, enriching the overall dance experience, and nurturing a lasting vision for future generations of Ukrainian dancers, teachers, and enthusiasts. It is not a product of happenstance but a product of extensive research and development, ensuring the precise progression of dance skills and techniques.

One of its core strengths lies in its ability to provide consistency in training. It offers a structured path from one level to the next, using standardized terminology and establishing uniformity in the style and technique of dance steps. Dancers following this syllabus are guided through a predetermined course of study, which encompasses exercises at the barre, in the centre, and in the corner. These exercises are thoughtfully choreographed to custom-orchestrated music, serving as a vital complement to the learning process. Each new exercise and skill acquired through the syllabus is akin to adding a new piece to a puzzle.

The Shumka Syllabus for Ukrainian Dance is, therefore, a testament to the dedication of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers to the art of Ukrainian dance, ensuring that it thrives and evolves for generations to come.

Curriculum Outline

Tier 1: Grades 1 Cert & Dip, Grade 2 Cert & Dip, Grade 3 Cert & Dip
Tier 2: Grades 4 Cert & Dip, Grade 5 Cert & Dip, Grade 6 Cert & Dip
Tier 3: Grades 7 Cert & Dip, Grade 8 Cert & Dip, Grade 9 Cert & Dip

The set exercises are at the heart of the Syllabus. They follow a specific order to ensure the safety of dancers and the effectiveness of the classes, mirroring the typical class format. This program is designed to guide students through a well-structured sequence of exercises.

The set exercises are categorized into two levels: ‘Certificate’ and ‘Diploma.’ This division helps ease the workload for dancers who typically train once or twice a week while also learning choreography and additional training outside of the Syllabus. The Certificate exercises are introductory-level, whereas the Diploma exercises represent more advanced levels of training.

Generally, students will engage in one Diploma variation within a Tier. For instance, they might complete Grade 4 Cert, Grade 5 Cert, Grade 6 Cert, and Grade 6 Dip, though this can vary depending on the individual class. This progression model ensures that students are not overwhelmed by a sudden jump in complexity. It allows them to master one level before moving on to the next, ensuring a gradual and safe development of physical abilities, while allowing students to complete the program as intended, usually by the age of 16-17.

Syllabus Examinations

The Syllabus Academy conducts independent evaluations on an annual basis. In March, we provide families with exam recommendations. Typically, syllabus exam results from the previous season are delivered to families during the first month of the new season. 

How are Students Chosen for Syllabus Exams?

Our instructors closely assess each dancer’s skills and abilities, making them well-equipped to offer guidance to families regarding their readiness for the upcoming examination. To ensure a successful and positive exam experience, instructors recommend students they believe are well-prepared to take the exam in May.

In March, families receive a form indicating the recommendation for the syllabus examination. For Core Program students, the decision to participate is ultimately made by the family if they receive a recommendation. However, students in the Intensive Division, when recommended for the examination, are required to participate. This requirement stems from the fact that dance examinations are a standard expectation in any professional dance school’s curriculum.

The exam fees for Core Program students must be paid by the deadline specified in the School Calendar.

The exam fees for Intensive Division students are due along with tuition at the beginning of the season. If your child is in the Intensive Division and does not receive a recommendation for the examination, a full refund of the exam fee will be provided.

Exam Benefits

Syllabus exams play a pivotal role by providing a structured and reassuring third-party evaluation of the dancer’s advancement and capabilities. Additionally, they offer positive reinforcement for skills that have been mastered. The feedback provided is highly detailed, pinpointing specific areas that may still need refinement and offering concrete strategies for improvement. These exams serve as a focal point for dancers, giving them a clear objective to work towards, bolstering their self-assurance, and instilling a sense of accomplishment.

What is an Audit Exam?

Students who are nearing the completion of a grade level but haven’t received a recommendation to take the exam have the option to audit the examination. During this audit, their performance is evaluated in the same way as other students, but they won’t receive a final grade.

For instance, let’s consider the case of young Mr. Peter! While he has shown promising progress in his barre work, there are areas where he could use improvement, such as musicality, centre combinations, and presentation. Although he is making progress, it has been determined by his instructors that it wouldn’t be beneficial for Mr. Peter to participate in a graded exam this year. Instead, he will be given the opportunity to audit the exam. During this audit, his performance will be critiqued just like any other student, but, he won’t be assigned a final grade.

Pre-Beginner (ages 3-4) and Beginner (age 5)

The program is designed to impart essential skills to young dancers, enabling them to establish a strong foundation and a genuine passion for Ukrainian dance. What students learn during their time in Pre-Beginner and Beginner classes serves as a crucial preparation for their long-term success in this art form. The curriculum for Pre-Beginner and Beginner classes was initially developed by Mrs. Tasha Orysiuk, with subsequent revisions being made collaboratively by Mrs. Tasha Orysiuk and Mr. Peter Eeles.

The placement of new students in these classes is determined solely by age: Pre-Beginner students fall within the age range of three and four, while Beginner students are typically five years old.

Throughout their time in these classes, students will have the opportunity to learn a complete Ukrainian dance. For their Winter Concert and Year End Show performances, Pre-Beginners are provided with a Ukrainian regional hat or headpiece at no extra cost and perform in their regular rehearsal attire (girls wear light tan tights for performance instead of the pink tights). Beginner students rent a full Ukrainian costume, as is customary for the rest of the School. These classes do not participate in dance competitions.

Spring Fusion offers students the option to continue training after the dance season has ended. Classes offered include ballet, PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique), and Ukrainian technique and tricks. Classes typically begin one week after the Year End Show and run for approximately six weeks until the end of June. The School releases the schedule at the beginning of April. Registration is through June Eeles at the main office.

Shumka Summer Dance Camps is an internationally attended program offering different styles of camps to suit every taste, age, and ability. The program strives to ensure that all campers are inspired to pursue the art of Ukrainian dance and become passionate about Ukrainian culture while making friends and having fun. Every camp has a unique Ukrainian spin on it! Dancers can choose from a one-week day camp experience at the Shumka Dance Centre or an overnight adventure at the beautiful Camp Oselia, Wabamun Lake. Programs are offered for ages 3-18, and online registration begins early in the new year at shumka.com.

The junior instructor program provides an exclusive opportunity for Shumka students to assume the role of assistant instructors, benefitting from close supervision, comprehensive training, and invaluable mentorship from highly qualified and seasoned instructors. When to Apply? The application is posted on the website during the summer, typically late July/early August. All current and prospective junior instructors are required to apply using this application and provide their availability. Applications are confirmed and the schedule is communicated by the end of August.

Successful applications are determined by:

1. Content of the application
2. Availability and gender
3. Experience

DUTIES OF A JUNIOR INSTRUCTOR

• Work under the lead instructor’s supervision and mentorship, providing dance training assistance to students.
• Ensuring dance demonstrations are always full-out with correct timing.
• Provide one-on-one assistance to students as directed by the lead instructor.
• Start and stop the music as needed.
• Set up the dance studio environment as per the requirements of the lead instructor, including barres and props. In Sherwood Park, setting up mirrors, barres, and the AV cart.
• Ensure that the studio is clean and tidy at the beginning and end of each class. This includes sanitizing barres and tidying up the space by picking up clothing, rollers, water bottles, chairs and garbage.
• For Pre-Beginner and Beginner classes, tasks include placing student spot placements, gathering props, giving out stickers, and dancing on stage with students at the Winter Concert and the Year End Show.
• Might be required to start and stop the music for syllabus examinations.
• Learning about choreographic processes.
• Contact substitutes when absent from class.

Qualifications for Volunteering*

• Candidates should be 13 and over.
• Willingness to learn and take initiative.
• Willingness to work/learn to work, as part of a team.
• Successful application as determined by the School Principal.

*There is a fixed number of positions available, determined by the total classes offered at SSD each year.

Qualifications for Payment* (starting $13.50 – $15.00 / hour)

• Candidates should be 15/16 and over.
• Experience as a volunteer junior instructor.
• Shumka Syllabus workshop participation or certification is an asset.
• Successful application as determined by the School Principal.

*There is a fixed number of positions available, determined by the total classes offered at SSD each year.

Benefits

Letter of recommendation (upon request), resume development (this looks incredible on a resume!), professional work experience, mentorship, skill development, leadership opportunities, community building, teamwork experience, and personal growth.

The Summer Camp Leader-in-Training program offers valuable volunteer opportunities for youth aged 14 and older to gain practical on-the-job training experience that applies to various aspects of life. This program is designed to foster leadership skills, teamwork, self-reflection, kindness, empathy, creativity, and a strong work ethic for a common purpose. The ultimate goal is to ensure that every camper develops a deeper appreciation for Ukrainian culture and a passion for the art of Ukrainian dance. When to Apply: Applications for the summer program typically open in April, and prospective volunteers can complete the online application at shumka.com.