Ukrainian Cheremosh Society
The Ukrainian Cheremosh Society was founded in Edmonton in 1969 by Chester and Luba Kuc. Our mission is to remain a unique, vibrant, and recognizable Edmonton-based dance organization that plays an integral part in preserving Ukrainian culture. For over 50 years, we have provided children and families, including newcomers to Canada, with access to high-quality cultural programming that builds skills, discipline, teamwork, and confidence.
Cheremosh is a leader in Ukrainian Dance in Canada, and we have had phenomenal success as a semi-professional Ukrainian dance company on stages around the world. We are known for bringing exceptional choreography to life. We take audiences on a colorful and exhilarating journey, thrilling them with intricate choreography, spectacular costumes, and dynamic music. Men leap to amazing heights with their breathtaking acrobatics while women spin across the stage with incredible beauty and grace.
Under the artistic direction of ballet master Mykola Kanevets, our dancers train in demi-classical ballet, character, and Ukrainian dance technique. This allows us to bring the polish of classical ballet while keeping the boisterousness and vivacity of folk dance that audiences crave. With Mykola’s leadership Cheremosh has built one of the largest and most diverse repertoires of Ukrainian dance in North America, featuring original choreography, custom musical compositions, and authentic costuming. Productions such as Bud’mo Cheremosh, Revolutions, Journey to the Great Wall, and Kaleidoscope of Dance have captivated audiences across Alberta, Canada, the United States, China, Great Britain, and Ukraine. Mykola’s choreography is renowned for its precision, emotion, and theatrical storytelling. He has expanded public appreciation for folk dance as a sophisticated art form.
Mykola’s work has not only delighted audiences but also enriched Alberta’s artistic ecosystem. Through his mentorship, hundreds of dancers have developed not only as performers but also as ambassadors of cultural excellence. Many of his students have gone on to professional artistic careers or have become lifelong supporters of the arts. His commitment to education extends through his role overseeing the Cheremosh School of Dance, where he continues to inspire more than 180 young dancers each year to pursue creativity, discipline, and pride in their heritage.
Current company dancers will say that some of their favourite moments happen during our community outreach workshops. Teaching sections of company choreography to aspiring (or totally new) dancers and then having them approach us after the show with a sparkle in their eye saying, ‘I know how do that combination you did in the second dance!’ is a feeling second to none. Witnessing how making the arts accessible can change a child’s life is exactly what Cheremosh is trying to accomplish. When Cheremosh comes to your community, we leave an impact like no other, and your patrons will always want more.
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