After a break in performances because of the pandemic, Ukrainian dance groups are back on stage. One of those groups is Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers from Edmonton. The company is touring Canada and made a stop in Winnipeg, where we had a chance to attend a dance workshop, see the elaborate sets and costumes up close backstage, and talk with Shumka dancer Caitlin Kaminsky and Shumka Senior Creative Director Les Sereda.

What Else You’ll Hear

- What it’s like dancing with Shumka

- The importance of celebrating Ukrainian culture during times of war

- What to expect in the show: Mosquito’s Wedding (All You Need is Love), Promised Land, My Yeh (We Are), Echoes of Hopak

- What goes into putting on such an impressive production

- The things that stood out most to us about the show

- Some tips to stay motivated as a Ukrainian dancer or instructor

- When Shumka will be coming to a city near you

Resources

- Head to Shumka’s website to find out when the company will perform near you

- Follow Shumka on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

- Follow Vsi on Instagram and Facebook

Music

- A big thanks to Joryj Kłoc for letting us use “Poltavśkyj Sotnyk” as Vsi’s theme song