Shumka's Ukrainian Nutcracker

Shumka's Ukrainian Nutcracker is an adaptation of The Nutcracker created by Canada's Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, a professional company based in Edmonton.

This version of the holiday classic retains Clara's story and Tchaikovsky's score while incorporating Ukrainian traditions, folk and character dance, Ukrainian carols and cultural symbols. The result is a folk ballet that connects a widely known story with Ukrainian Canadian heritage.

The production is built on an ongoing collaboration between Canadian and Ukrainian artists. Musical arrangements are by Yuri Shevchenko, choreography is by Viktor Lytvynov and John Pichlyk, sets and costumes are by Maria Levitska, and artistic direction is by Tasha Orysiuk. The project includes Shumka company members, students from the Shumka School of Dance and the Clara's Dream Choir. Shumka has presented Ukrainian versions of The Nutcracker since Clara's Dream in 2013. With more than 60 years of history, the company was inducted into the Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame in 2025 for its contribution to Canadian dance. Shumka's Ukrainian Nutcracker is a lasting expression of Ukrainian dance, music and cultural continuity in Canada.

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