Stephanie, 2017 Mayor’s Award for the Arts nominee, is the Artistic Director of Viva Dance Company. Under their leadership, the company has performed 300 times to date and is a staple in the Edmonton arts community.
Stephanie was part of the world renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers as a dancer, choreographer, and artistic consultant in which time they toured across Canada and China. They currently run Shumka School of Dance’s contemporary classes.
Stephanie has been a faculty member of Orchesis since 2008 where they have taught jazz classes to adult students. They co-directed the 2023 Orchesis show: Motif Moves and are currently producing the 2024 show. They have performed for both Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line and have appeared in many industry productions as a dancer and model.
They have a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (BKin) as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). Although an experienced teacher and performer, they continue to be a student themself in both dance and yoga. Stephanie recently underwent bilateral hip replacement surgery and is dancing their way back to peak health. They are working towards another Master’s degree in which they are writing a thesis about their experience with hip replacement and their return to professional dancing. Some of their most influential teachers include their children, Jude (9) and Gloria (7).
As an adjudicator, Stephanie has judged Zirka Dance Challenge, Vitaemo Ukrainian Dance Festival, Camrose & District Music Festival, Kalyna Festival, Biggar Dance Festival, Peace River Dance Festival, Whitehorse Dance and Music Festival, Culture Fuze, Athabasca Dance Festival, BC Cultural Festival, and the K-Days Talent Search.
