Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers
BIO
Established in Edmonton in 1959, Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers present dance-theatre touring productions across the country and around the world. Seen by millions on international broadcasts, the company has presented command performances for Queens, Prime Ministers, and Presidents, and have performed alongside the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Christopher Plummer, and Julie Andrews. Along with Alberta Ballet and Edmonton Opera, Shumka is proud to be a Resident Company of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Over 60 years of performance history has shaped Shumka’s signature artistic style. While maintaining deep respect for their heritage, Shumka continually challenges conventional boundaries to define the experience of Ukrainian dance in the context of today’s society.
Collaborating with Canadian and Ukrainian composers, musicians, choreographers, and designers, Shumka has established a network of creative relationships that have resulted in several unique works, performed live and on film. Shumka has an extensive repertoire of original pieces including Shumka’s Nutcracker, Kobzar, Ancestors & Elders, and its work-in-progress based on the life and imagination of Lesia Ukrainka.
Shumka is currently touring Canada to mark its 60th anniversary with four works including Shumka’s whimsical Mosquito’s Wedding, a true feast for the eyes and a love story with a message that all we need is love; Shumka’s most recent film project – Promised Land – recognizing the 130th Anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada; Echoes of Hopak, a salute to the past through a celebration of Shumka’s signature work; and My Yeh/We Are, a moving dance tribute to the conflict in Ukraine dedicated to long-time Shumka composer, Yuri Shevchenko who passed away in Kyiv on March 23.
The syllabus-based Shumka School of Dance has over 200 students training in ballet, character, and contemporary dance annually. As part of its educational outreach programs, Shumka also presents Student Matinee performances, annual Summer Dance Camps, and year-round Seniors movement classes.
