Welcome to our new Artistic Director, Paul Olijnyk! Paul is a graduate of the Edmonton School of Ballet’s Professional Dance Training Program and a certified teacher under the Shumka Syllabus Academy. He has supplemented his dance studies in Ukraine at The National University of Arts and Culture in Kyiv and other dance workshops in Canada and abroad. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and Ukrainian Folklore at York University. Formerly a member of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, he has been a part of the professional Ukrainian dance circuit performing and touring extensively.

Paul spent two years as Recreation Coordinator for Shumka Summer Dance Camps, programming and leading activities focused on dance and culture. Paul has taught Ukrainian Dance to over 300 students, in eight Ukrainian dance schools in Toronto and throughout the province of Alberta. He has also conceived and choreographed the productions, “Snow White and the Cossacks” and “Mosquito’s Wedding”, intricately weaving folk dance with folk tales. His dance students have won various gold medals and awards under his instruction and choreography. He has adjudicated dance competitions at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Manitoba. Paul’s commitment to high technical standards, limitless enthusiasm, and love for Ukrainian culture have made him a well-respected member of the Ukrainian dance community.