He/Him Marko Lepki has been training and performing Ukrainian dance since the age of three. Growing up with Verkhovyna School of Ukrainian Dance, he was inspired by Shumkas rendition of the Nutcracker to grow as dancer and take on the style with stronger intention and soul. This led to eventually joining Studia Shumka in 2024. His love for dance carried…

She/Her Brooklyn Pattullo started Ukrainian dancing when she was just 3 years old, and with that came a deep love for dance. At 8, she began competitive dancing in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles. After graduating high school and moving to Edmonton, she chose to continue her dance journey with Studia Shumka. She is currently studying at the University…

He/Him Cowan began dancing at the age of three with the Thorhild Ukrainian Dance Society. He later joined the Shumka School of Dance alongside his siblings, where he took classes in both Ukrainian dance and ballet. During his time with the school, he performed as a child in Shumka’s Nutcracker for two consecutive years, as well as in Ancestors & Elders. In 2023,…

He/Him Allister started his dance career with Shumka in 2024. He began his dance training in Saskatoon with Rushnychok and Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, where he danced through high school, graduating in the spring of 2024. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to perform in Ukraine, Croatia, Poland, and across Western Canada, and has taken part in Ukrainian dance…

He/Him Nathan began his Ukrainian dance career at 5 years of age at Dance Unlimited. Under the direction of Shumka alumni, Doug Rachinski, he continued to develop his skills for 8 years before transitioning to the Shumka School of Dance in 2018. Since that time, he successfully completed the SSD program before moving onto Studia Shumka. In 2024, Nathan joined…

She/Her Katie began her Ukrainian dance journey at the age of 3 with the Shumka School of Dance, where she trained for 13 years. During that time, she had the privilege of performing in several productions with Shumka, including Shumka’s Nutcracker, Kobzar, and Ancestors & Elders. Inspired by the backstage magic and the artistry of the company members, she knew her dream was…

He/Him Maxim started dancing when he was four years old with the Shumka School of Dance. He might not have always wanted to go but once he was there, he always enjoyed himself. Maxim was excited to have the opportunity to dance with Shumka in Clara’s Dream and the 30th Anniversary of Classic Hopak. He really enjoyed the BIG stage…

Nicholas Jerebic has been dancing since the age of three doing ballet then made the move towards Ukrainian dance to follow in his roots. At the age of 4 Nicholas began his Shumka School of Dance career that continued through all 9 grades as well as ballet and extra classes through the school like tricks and technique as well as…

She/Her Ava joined Shumka School of Dance at the age of three, where she then progressed through the school and grew her love for Ukrainian dance. Throughout her time in Shumka School, Ava was inspired by her instructors and the welcoming Ukrainian community which fuelled her goal of becoming a Shumka dancer. After two years of training in Studia Shumka,…

He/Him Samuel Stychyshyn began his dance career when he was 6 years of age in Dance Unlimited’s Ukrainian program. He danced there for many years until he decided to make a change and joined Shumka School in 2019. In 2022, he auditioned for Studia Shumka and danced there for a year. After being with Shumka School and Studia Shumka, he…