Andrea Chmilar (Stelmach) joined Shumka in 1999, a dream come true. Her instructor at the time, Shelley Borowski, inspired her to reach for the stage and aspire to be the energy and passion of the Hopak. For many years she was a member of the executive committee of the Alumni Association and has given the alumni a few opportunities to experience the adrenalin rush of stepping on the stage that they experienced as company dancers.

“A favorite memory for me was being a part of the cast of Royal Christmas with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plumber, and Charlotte Church. I wore out my tape of the “Sound of Music” as a child, so to be able to share the stage with my childhood idol, Julie Andrews, still brings me to tears.”

“Shumka has given many people the foundation to explore the world through dance. And yes, the art that we put on stage is phenomenal and every-growing, but all of the behind-the-scenes items and tasks and projects that happen in order to make that happen is where I gained the most from Shumka to this day.”

Thank you, Andrea, for sharing ‘a few of your favorite things.’