Celebrate Ukrainian culture through dance as Shumka sets to kick off its 10th Canadian tour at the North Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Shumka has been planning its 60th Anniversary Canadian Tour for the past two years, which has been postponed a few times due to COVID restrictions. The two-hour show presents four pieces of Ukrainian dancing performance, including Shumka’s new whimsical love story, Mosquito’s Wedding, and a salute to hope in the new adaptation of its signature work, Echoes of Hopak.
“You don’t have to be Ukrainian to enjoy Shumka,” Les Sereda, senior creative director of Shumka says. “We tell universal stories. They’re fun and passionate.”
The performance also includes Shumka’s most recent film project — Promised Land — a tribute to the 130th Anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada, and a dance tribute to the defence of Ukraine.
“This is a difficult time to be Ukrainian. For the past several weeks, our dancers at Shumka went through an emotional, soul-searching process, as our beloved home country is under invasion. We reflected on our identities in tension, and we believe we have a role to play. We have so much to support, to send out the message of hope and togetherness in this trying time. Now, more than ever.”
As a former dancer who performed at Shumka for around 10 years, Sereda shares that Ukrainian dance is often considered uplifting. The powerful dance moves and vibrant colours in textile represent the sense of hope and passion in the roots of Ukrainian culture.
“We ought to let people know more about Ukraine’s heritage and tradition. Good spirits need to be maintained, and celebrated as well.”
Shumka’s tour in Canada starts from Edmonton on April 7th and 8th at the Jubilee Auditorium, and continues on in Saskatoon and Regina. Tickets start from $30. The performance is open for all ages.
