Homecoming for elite Shumka dancer

At 50, Shumka has basically become the National Ballet of Ukrainian dance in Canada. Blending traditional dance with modern and classical motifs into stories of community and life, Shumka has evolved into a truly world class artistic organization.

It even counts some pretty stellar names among its fans. "They use dance and stage to bring meaning and beauty to the lives of those who are fortunate enough to experience their performances," said Julie Andrews, star of stage and screen. "They define what the arts are all about."

On Sunday April 7, the troupe brings its acclaimed Shumka at 50 production to the Anne Portnuff Theatre at Yorkton Regional High School.

Local connection

It will be a homecoming for one of the dancers. Blaise Fullawka graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 2008 when she immediately took Shumka artistic director Dave Ganert up on an offer from the previous year to go to Edmonton and audition for the company. Ganert had been in town for a competition that Fullawka won when she was in Grade 11, but she wanted to finish high school first. Ganert followed up during Fullawka's senior year and she followed through earning a spot in the company.

The Yorkton native has been dancing as long as she can remember, since she was four years old. She started out imitating dancers in videos. Her babysitter at the noticed she was good and alerted Adrian, Blaise's mom, who put her in ballet and Ukrainian dance lessons. Later she studied jazz and contemporary styles.

Still, through all that, she never considered it would be something she would ever do professionally.

"I just thought I would go to school," she said. "I thought to be a [professional] dancer, you had to give up school and everything, but now I'm doing it."

She is currently in her first year of the respiratory therapy program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology after switching from sociology at the University of Alberta. She is planning to start working after graduation and hopes she will be able to stay with the ensemble after she graduates as others have done. "Shumka to everyone is really a second family," she said.

The show

Shumka at 50 features five original pieces that tell stories of community, the cycle of life, romance, spirituality and culture.

The show opens with "Harvest Angels," a colourful, energetic tale that celebrates the distinctiveness yet unity of four regions of Ukraine.

It has been said that Ukrainian dance ensembles are defined by their hopak, the traditional folkdance. "Pathways to Hopak," the second piece, is a robust, contemporary treatment of the dance that tells an emotional story of life's twists and turns culminating with Shumka's "Classic Hopak."

"A Cobbler's Promise" is a comedic treatment of a young apprentice boot maker who unwittingly makes a promise he can't keep. His fellow cobbler's step up to his rescue leading to a raucus celebration of romance in dance

"Eve of Kupalo-A Midsummer's Night Masque" delves into the magic and mysticism of summer solstice rituals. Rife with folkloric symbolism and pageantry against a backdrop moody sets and mesmerizing lighting it is a perfect setup for the 50th anniversary finale.

To end, Shumka takes the audience back to roots with "50th Anniversary Hopak," a powerful exploration of the choreographic evolution of the dance combining contemporary lyricism with traditional steps.

Ukrainian connection

In addition to the seasoned in-house professionals of the creative team, Shumka has developed some impressive artistic relationships with industry heavyweights from Ukraine.

Guest choreographer Victor Lytvynov, a National Artist of Ukraine, achieved international fame as a soloist with the Kyiv Ballet of the National Opera of Ukraine in the 1960s. He later served as artistic director for the esteemed organization. His choreography is featured in "Pathways to Hopak" and "A Cobbler's Promise."

Sets and costumes are by world-renowned Maria Levitska, the director of scenography with the National Opera of Ukraine. She is also a National Artist of Ukraine.

The music for the show was composed, arranged and orchestrated by Yuri Shevchenko and Andrij Shoost of Kyiv. Shevchenko is an Honoured Artist of Ukraine and one of the premier composers in the world of Ukrainian classical and theatrical music.

"They are completely amazing," Blaise said. "There's so many different backgrounds and all their creativity; that's what makes it such a great show."

She is also thrilled to be bringing it home to share.

"I'm extremely excited; it's like a dream, pretty much."