The first time Natalka Beaudoin (Stus) saw Shumka’s Hopak, she was brought to tears by the dancing and knew she had to be part of that magic.

“It’s the perfect combination of visual spectacle, emotive music, and the dancers’ exuberance. Any one of those things can get you, but when you put all three together, it’s killer. And that’s the magic.”

Natalka was one of three rookies accepted into the group the year she auditioned. There were 60 or 70 dancers and many of her friends were already members at the time she joined. Rehearsals started off being just once a week with some exercises to stay in shape, but then the commitment to Shumka began to evolve. Slowly, ballet was introduced to the training regimen. Then more folk dance. Then fitness like aerobics and yoga. Rehearsals became more frequent and by the end of her time in Shumka, the company was rehearsing five times a week before tour.

Over her years in the company, Natalka joined Shumka’s Executive Committee as Secretary, and eventually worked her way through many positions. As a member of the Artistic Team as well, Natalka played a large part in choreography for Shumka. While on Artistic, Natalka worked alongside and spent much time with John Pichlyk, George Chrunik, Terry Mucha, and Annette Bidniak — a team Natalka described as the perfect balance of commitment, energy, and talent. But it wasn’t all just work. “Terry and I did slideshows and we put together an awards show that was kind of like the Oscars. That was really fun; we tried to get as many people as we could to have an award.”

Though she dedicated time and efforts in many ways, performing on stage was the first reason Natalka auditioned for Shumka. She recalls dancing for many famous people: Leslie Nielsen, Ronald Reagan, Anne Murray, and the Queen—whom the dancers had to learn special protocols and behaviours for. It’s still what she misses the most about dancing in Shumka, other than the people. Being on stage again in the Nutcracker (as part of the Clara’s Dream Choir) brought back all the emotions and good memories of rehearsals in the studio and on stage. “It really felt like home.”

Thank you, Natalka, for all of your dedication to Shumka.