Troyanda Society of Ukrainian Culture & Heritage
Photo by Jorja Wiegel
Ms. Kailey Guenette ~ Artistic Director
Certified Instructor Shumka Syllabus of Ukrainian Dance Tier 1 & 2
RAD RTS | Progressing Ballet Technique I, II & III
Acrobatic Arts AAC1 | CDTA Jazz Associate Member | Autism Movement Therapy®
Ms. Kailey danced with Troyanda for 14 years, training under highly regarded instructors Ken Kachmar, Vincent Rees and Paul Olijnyk. As a dancer she attended many intensive summer training programs throughout Western Canada and US giving her the chance to learn from a very talented and diverse group of instructors. She successfully completed dance examinations in SDSA Ukrainian dance, RAD ballet and CDTA jazz and trained in lyrical, modern & contemporary dance styles..
Kailey is passionate about Ukrainian dance and is committed to pursuing a broad spectrum of instructor training opportunities. She has travelled numerous times to Ukraine studying Ukrainian dance & culture with Cobblestone Freeway's Ukrainian Dance Instructor's Tour, and also experienced Hungary, Poland & Romania. She has attended various dance instructor workshops and training programs throughout Canada and the US,
Kailey is a certified instructor of Shumka's Syllabus of Ukrainian Dance, and a registered teacher with Royal Academy of Dance. She holds several other teaching qualifications & is currently completing the RAUD Ukrainian Dance Instructors program.
Ms. Kailey strives to help dancers develop strong technique while encouraging teamwork and a genuine love of dance. She is very grateful for the opportunity to teach your children and share her passion and love of dance! We are proud to have one of our former dancers leading Troyanda and know that her dedication, commitment and genuine love for Troyanda is an amazing gift.
Miss Kaitlynn, Student Teacher, Primary Ukrainian Dance
Hi I’m Kaitlynn, I’m 16 and in grade 11 at Charles Spencer High School. This year is my 13th year dancing with Troyanda and I’d have to say that Volyn is definitely my favourite region! I’ve been doing Ukrainian dance my entire thirteen years but along the way I’ve also done ballet, jazz and acro!!
Mr. Paul Olijnyk ~ Guest Choreographer
B.F.A, M.A.
Certified Instructor Shumka Syllabus of Ukrainian Dance
Beginning his training as a dancer with the Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance, Paul Olijnyk quickly developed a passion for Ukrainian culture and dance. As a graduate of the Edmonton School of Ballet's Professional Dance Training Program and a certified teacher under the Shumka Syllabus for Ukrainian Dance, Paul has become well versed in the art of dance. Complementing his studies, Paul has attended numerous workshops throughout Ukraine and North America led by some of the world's most prized choreographers and instructors. He has conducted primary research in Ukrainian folk dance throughout Western Ukraine to compliment his academic training. Paul is a graduate of the Kyiv University of Arts and Culture's International Summer School of Dance 3 year certificate program. He is well versed in Ballet, Modern, and International Folk dance, successfully completing examinations in all three fields. He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts Honors Degree specializing in dance at York University and completed his Masters in Ukrainian Folklore at the University of Alberta.
As a member of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, Paul has been a part of the professional Ukrainian dance circuit, performing and teaching extensively. Paul continues to attain new milestones in the Ukrainian dance world, including Shumka’s 2011 China Tour and the 2011/2012 Canadian Tour. Paul's commitment to high technical standards, his limitless enthusiasm and love for Ukrainian culture, have made him a well-respected member of the Ukrainian dance community. We are proud and privileged to have him as part of our team.