Fundraising gala marks a half-century of Ukrainian dance
Posted By Joelle Tomek/EXAMINER STAFF
Posted 2 months ago
The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
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Whenever we go on tour internationally, we’re held up as example of Canadian culture … not just Ukrainian but Canadian culture.
The Ukrainian Shumka Dancers and 1,200 of their biggest fans are about to kick up their red boots in one last tribute to the troupe's golden anniversary.
Shumka has been an institution in the Edmonton arts scene for 50 years and is hosting the fifth of five anniversary events with Red Boots, Black Tie and Bubbly: Shumka's Golden Gala.
The event takes place on Nov. 21 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, where it became a resident company in March – a designation shared only by the Alberta Ballet and Edmonton Opera.
Shumka is known for blurring lines between traditional Ukraininian dance and other genres.
Suzanna Brytan, a gala organizer and longtime member of the troupe, says Shumka makes an effort to weave elements of other cultures into its performances.
"Whenever we go on tour internationally, we're held up as example of Canadian culture … not just Ukrainian but Canadian culture," Brytan says.
Gala attendees will see highlights of the Shumka's history and get a taste of new works for the upcoming season.
The event features performances by Bobby Curtola, Edmonton songbird Ann Vriend, and former Shumka dancer Jeff Mortensen, now with Cirque du Soleil.
Individual tickets are $100 and corporate tables of eight with champagne and premium seating are available for $1,200. Tickets are available by calling 780-455-9559 or e-mailing whirlwind@shumka.com.
jtomek@edmontonexaminer.com
