I am so excited to begin my weekly blog as I divulge into the life of a Shumka dancer and what it is like to come back after two years of dancing in my basement online, continually dealing with the pandemic, and feeling the tragedies of the current war in Ukraine. All the while dancing on tour, balancing school, and work, mending injuries, creating friendships, and living for life on the stage.
I am so thrilled to take you on this crazy adventure with me!
My name is Mara Palahniuk and I have been a Shumka dancer since 2015. I got in just shortly after my 15th birthday and I have been dancing with the company ever since. I love being a Shumka dancer, it brings me so much joy, but it hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows. It can be difficult at times, trying to manage my time between dance, attending University full time, juggling jobs, and still having opportunities to experience the world as a young adult.
Just a little bit about me: I am graduating this year as an English major with minors in Ukrainian Language, Literature and Culture, Women and Gender Studies, and Creative Writing. I hope to get an Education After-Degree and become a teacher. I currently teach dance at two separate places and try to stay active within my Ukrainian-Albertan community. On top of all that I am a committed fur mama to my dog Kozak, an avid planter, constant reader, Netflix addict, and lover of all crafts!
I have been dancing in Shumka for so long that it has become part of my identity. I do not know what I would do without attending rehearsals three times a week. I’ve met my best friends in Shumka, and I get to spend time with them every week. On top of all that, I get to do what I love most, dance. Through Shumka I have been given some incredible opportunities like dancing with international pop-star Ruslana, partnering with Ukrainian Virsky dancers, performing in multiple world-debuting shows, and traveling all over! I’ve truly grown up in the company and learned important lessons here. I’ve seen friends come and go, get married, and have babies all within Shumka. It’s insane to me how people make the choice to leave, I understand that eventually, my body will be unable to keep up with the demands of Shumka, but I can’t imagine letting go of the exhilaration of the final “HEY” screamed at the end of Hopak.
I hope that within each week I slowly unravel the complexities of the inner workings of Shumka and exactly why we as dancers continue to go three times a week, pushing our bodies to their very limits. I can’t wait to shed some light on the current tour and perhaps indulge you in some secrets every once in a while! Come back next week for more insight and great tour anecdotes!
Слава Україні!
Mara
