Shumka kicks off 60th anniversary tour in Edmonton
After several years of planning and postponed performances, the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers are returning to the stage to put on a series of performances across Canada.
"To see it with the space, with the sets fully assembled, with the costumes, with the light – you finally see the vision come together," said senior creative director of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Les Sereda.
Dancers took to the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for rehearsal Wednesday, ahead of official tour performances Thursday.
"The energy backstage is infectious," said Ukrainian Shumka Dancer Courtney Basaraba. "We’re all just so excited to get the 60th show out there and to show our friends and family and the Ukrainian community."
The group of dancers is celebrating its Canadian tour featuring performances of Mosquito’s Wedding, a story about a mosquito and a fly that get married, according to Sereda.
That performance will be followed by a screening of Shumka’s film Promised Land acknowledging the 130th anniversary of Ukrainian immigration to Canada and My Yeh/We Are, an emotional dance dedicated to the conflict in Ukraine.
"It was originally choreographed in 2014 when the war first broke out in Eastern Ukraine and we felt it was very proper to bring it back for this time," said Sereda.
During their time off stage, Sereda says team members did a lot of soul searching in light of the unfolding conflict in Ukraine.
"Many of us have friends and family in Ukraine right now and it’s a challenging time," Sereda said.
Shumka’s Canadian tour will give audiences the opportunity to support people impacted by Russia’s invasion.The dance group is accepting donations to Humanitarian Aid for Artists in Ukraine, an organization helping to keep fellow creatives and performers afloat during the crisis.
"This is our job, this is why we’re here to promote Ukrainian culture, to promote this independent nation that Russia is trying so desperately to erase," said Sereda.
"If we can do our small part in just sharing who we are and sharing the love of a culture that we believe in, then maybe we’ve done one small bit of good in the world."
For tickets and schedule information, visit Shumka’s website.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
One dead after potential wrong way crash on Highway 401 in Milton: OPP
One person is dead and another is in life-threatening condition after a driver was travelling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Milton Sunday, according to police.
Hamas says latest ceasefire talks have ended. Israel vows military operation in 'very near future'
The latest round of Gaza cease-fire talks ended in Cairo after "in-depth and serious discussions,"{ the Hamas militant group said Sunday, reiterating key demands that Israel again rejected.
B.C. man wants homes for thousands of books he soon won't be able to read
In the 10 years since John William started to lose his vision, he's been finding new ways to enjoy his vast personal library.
'The Fall Guy' gives Hollywood a muted summer kickoff with a US$28.5M opening
"The Fall Guy," the Ryan Gosling-led, action-comedy ode to stunt performers, opened below expectations with US$28.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, providing a lukewarm start to a summer movie season that's very much to be determined for Hollywood.
Trudeau 'absolutely' best person to lead the Liberals in next election: LeBlanc insists
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc insists he's not planning a leadership campaign to head the Liberal party, should current leader and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign, seemingly quashing rumours he's planning to make a move for his boss' job.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.