Pipestone Flyer
Submitted by Alberta ZIRKA Ukrainian Performers
The Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers are excited to welcome, nationally acclaimed director and choreographer, Dave Ganert to the organization. Mr. Ganert returns to Zirka from working with the world renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. Dave performed in over 600 shows locally, nationally and around the world. One performance highlight was in the touring production of A Royal Christmas performing alongside Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and Charlotte Church, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of London, Westminster Choir, the Kiev Ballet, and artists from the Bolshoi, Royal Ballet of London, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Dave spent 10 years dancing with Zirka before joining Shumka in 1991. In Dave’s 23 years with Shumka, he grew from becoming a principal dancer with the company to choreographing and directing. He served as Resident Choreographer for 13 years, Associate Artistic Director for 7 years and as Artistic Director for the past 6 years retiring from the group in November 2013. His artistic work has gained much recognition and numerous scholarships and awards throughout Canada including Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal honoring significant contributions and achievements by a Canadian. Mr. Ganert has instructed and adjudicated over 5,000 students across Canada, United States, Ukraine and China. One of his favorite collaborative works came from working with Jean-Marc Généreux, of So you Think You Can Dance Canada, in which they created a tribute piece recognizing the struggle and celebrating the triumph of people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Throughout all of Dave’s successes he remained close to the Zirka family in heart and spirit and now returns to the Zirka organization as the new Director and Principal. Zirka will now be offering a professional dance program following a syllabus of Ukrainian dance study, an innovative Pre-Beginner and Beginner Program starting at age 3 and an exciting vision for Zirka as they approach their 40th anniversary next dance season. A beautiful artistic mural celebrating this achievement can be seen at Zirka’s studios 4920-50th avenue, Calmar.
Zirka has provided youth with confidence, inspiration and challenging Ukrainian dance education since 1975. Classes for the 2014/15 dance season begin the week of September 9 in Calmar, Alberta. Zirka is still accepting registration on September 2 & 4, 5:00-7:30pm at their studio. For more information or to register you can call Dave at 780-504-0020 or email dave@zirka.ca.