Edmonton – Ukrainian Shumka Dancers are pleased to announce Les Sereda will be joining the artistic team as Senior Creative Director. “We are very excited to welcome Les to the artistic helm of the company,” says Executive Director, Darka Tarnawsky. “Our artistic team accomplished much over the last two years including two world premieres. One of these all-new productions – Mosquito’s Wedding– was directed by Les. He is a talented artist with a solid vision for the organization’s continued development. This, with his passion and respect for Ukrainian dance and his philosophy of being a team player, fits well with Shumka at this exciting stage of our existence. Les will play a major role in the organization’s upcoming 60th anniversary performances and activities, and I’m very excited to be working with him in this new capacity.”
After two successful years, Artistic Associate, Joseph Hoffman, will be stepping down from his role. “At the same time, I am sad to see former Artistic Associate Joseph Hoffman go,” says Tarnawsky. “Joe’s hard work and artistic insight as a director of Shumka’s Ancestors & Elders will forever be his legacy. I am hopeful he will come back to the Shumka artistic team in the future to continue his passion. His work was groundbreaking and insightful for our audiences…and for all of us who worked on the project with him. I thank Joe for his artistic perseverance and leadership in this unique collaboration between Shumka and a number of local Indigenous artists.Ancestors & Elders successfully tackled difficult subject matter through dance, and managed to leave audiences with a hopeful outlook for the future.”
Tasha Orysiuk and Paul Olijnyk will continue their work as Creative Directors for the company. Alyssa Eugenio will join the team as Artistic Coordinator, a new position to assist with administration.
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