Ukrainian Shumka Dancers

Registration is now open for upcoming sessions of Seniors can Shumka! This dance year we’re excited to offer you TWO weekly options: Seniors can Shumka (10 Monday classes in the Fall Session) and Seniors can Shumka Encore (29 Wednesday classes starting September 30th).

Seniors can Shumka is a fun and welcoming dance class for seniors of all abilities, especially those who are new to dance, or looking for a relaxed, recreational experience. No prior dance experience is required.

Seniors can Shumka Encore is an energetic class designed for dancers who have a minimum of three years Seniors can Shumka dance experience and want to continue growing as dancers.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, these class options led by Tasha Orysiuk, offer a welcoming environment, great music, lots of laughter and fun, and a chance to connect with others in a joyful, judgment-free space.

More info and registration information: https://www.shumka.com/performances-programs/outreach/

It's hard to believe Overnight Camps are almost wrapped up for the summer of 2026. Great instructors and emerging dancers, leaders in training, camp coordinators and chefs have made it another amazing success. To all we've learned and all the memories we've made!

Work Hard! Play Hard!

Did you know? In addition to their scheduled class performances at the Jubilee Auditorium, students of the Shumka School of Dance (SSD) are given opportunities to perform in Shumka company productions. SSD is R.A.D. Ballet certified and conveniently offers classes in both Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

The 29-Week Season runs September 12, 2026 – May 1, 2027. For more info on our school programs and syllabus, and to register, visit www.shumka.com

Registration is open for the Shumka School of Dance (SSD) 2026–2027 Season. The school provides classes in Ukrainian regional, character, Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Ballet, and Shumka-style training for youth ages three and up. Students receive structured progressive training from highly certified professional dance instructors, building the essential foundation for youth to discover their artistic selves, set and achieve goals, and feel empowered to become future leaders.

For more info on our school programs and syllabus, and to register, visit www.shumka.com

Shumka congratulates our accomplished Managing Director who recently traveled to Liverpool to celebrate the receipt of his PhD. Studying at the Liverpool John Moores University, Jake graduated with a PhD in Art and Philosophy. "My practice-based research focused on the aesthetics of awe, meaning, and pleasure in performance, particularly looking at audience experience, participation, and how artists can create meaningful encounters outside more traditional approaches to theatre-making." Congratulations Dr. Tkaczyk! We are very proud of you. 🎈

Friday night is Kolomeyka Night at our Overnight Camps. A special tradition, Shumka dancers come out to camp to watch a short performance by the campers, followed by a group Kolomeyka. The night concludes with a well-deserved party for all. The Week One theme was pirates. Aye Matey!

As Week One of our Overnight Summer Dance Camps has come to a close, here are some photos to look back through the memories. Watch for more from Kolomeyka Night!

We are blessed to have National Artist of Ukraine, Viktor Lytvynov, visiting our studios from Kyiv. A renowned and respected choreographer in Ukraine's National Ballet company and a dear friend of Shumka, Viktor is working on an updated version of Shumka's Pathways to Hopak including a focus on the joys of life and the tragedy of war. Pathways debuted as part of the Canada Dance Festival in Ottawa in 2004 and was part of Shumka's 55-performances through the company's 50th Anniversary tour.

This is Week One of our popular Overnight Summer Dance Camps. Memories are being made, dancers are working hard (and playing hard!) and new dance skills are developing. Instructors Ms. Anna, Mr. Kostiya and Mr. Shane (plus Shane's assistant, Miss Lauren) have been a wealth of knowledge and inspiration! Our campers look forward to showing what they've learned to family and friends this weekend.