Artistic Director,
Ballet Master,
Lead Instructor 

Instructor

Instructor

Instructor

Dianna B.

I started dancing when I was 2 years old and joined Ukrainian dance when I was 5. I have continued to dance because I love performing on stage and attending competitions. I also admire the Ukrainian culture and learning about my heritage. My wonderful instructors, Vasyl and Anna Kavenets, have taught me proper technique, stage presence, discipline and dedication. I am proud of the choreography awards we have won, and our many accomplishments.  It’s a lot of fun to share my love of dance by assisting the younger dancers at Vykrutas. 

Isabel W.

Isabel started Ukrainian dancing and ballet at 3 years old. She joined the Vykrutas family in its inaugural year. "Through the guidance of Vasyl and Anna Kanevets I have developed as a dancer and person. They’ve helped me grow my love for dance through passion and technique". Isabel would like to support the younger dancers in having the same experience and growth as she does.  

Makynze S.

My name is Makynze Stanchuk, I am currently in my second year of university at Mount Royal, studying marketing. I love being active and moving my body; whether it is hiking up mountains, skiing, running, a hot pilates class, or even a walk along the river. I danced for 12 years, mainly focusing on ballet and Ukrainian spending my last four being a part of Vykrutas. The environment that Vykrutas has is very unique and unlike any other dance group I’ve been a part of, which is one of the many reasons I continue to teach here. This upcoming dance season I’m excited to teach all the younger dancers in a positive and engaging atmosphere, where I will introduce new skills that will be broken down, and have fun! I look forward to helping and teaching each kid I meet this year!  

Michael K.

I started dancing with Vykrutas Ukrainian Dance Society when I was 9 years old and very quickly developed a love of Ukrainian dance. After dancing for less than a year, I performed with the Junior group in the inaugural BRAVO! production which really piqued my interest in dance and performance. I have enjoyed six years of learning the art of Ukrainian dance and performing with Vykrutas. Dancing with the Senior Performing group has taught me discipline, teamwork, and a sense of pride in my culture. Being a part of Vykrutas also means giving back to our community and sharing Ukrainian culture with others, which gives meaning to everything we do in the studio preparing for these performances. I hope to share my love of Ukrainian dance and culture with the Intermediate boys group. Vasyl has been an amazing technical instructor and choreographer for me, and I wish to impart the same technical skills and musicality I have learned from him with the younger dancers.

Polina S.

My big passion for Ukrainian Dance started since I was 9 years old. But I have started dancing from 3 years old overall. In Ukraine, I performed a Ukrainian dance with my first dance group and dance family for a lot of years. I had a chance to perform in Bulgaria and the biggest competitions (such as "For You Ukraine", "Talent of the World", "Star Step" and many more) in Kiyv on the Virskiy stage. We had received Grand Prizes for a lot of times and won trips to different countries (like Bulraria, Turkey, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania). When the war started, in 2022, me and my family moved to Canada, Calgary. To be honest, I was really shocked when recognized that there are a lot of Ukrainian dance groups that are supporting Ukraine and popularizing Ukrainian culture in Canada. When I joined Vykrutas, I've found a new dance family. With Vykrutas, as growing, I'm becoming a stronger dancer, and just loving Ukrainian dancing and its culture even more! For now, I am dancing for 10 years, and wishing to become a professional dancer in Ukrainian folk Dance. 

Sasha S.

My name is Sasha. My parents were both Ukrainian dancers which triggered my interest in dance. Unfortunately I lived in California at the time where there was no Ukrainian group. I started at Vykrutas when I was 8.  I have been fortunate to have Vasyl and Anna Kanevets as my teachers- they have instilled proper Ukrainian and ballet technique from the start. I love their unique choreography and getting to perform with my fellow dancers. We have the best times at practice, competitions and shows. When I am not dancing you can find me on the stage performing musical theater or classical voice. I am grateful for this opportunity to assist the younger dancers.

Sophie K.

I began Ukrainian dancing at the age of five and have been dancing for ten years. I spent nine of those years with Tryzub Ukrainian Dance School, where I developed a strong foundation in technique and discipline. My time at Tryzub helped me discover my passion for Ukrainian culture and the art of performance.

Last year, I joined Vykrutas Dance Society, where I continue to grow as a dancer under the guidance of Vasyl Kavenets. Being a part of Vykrutas has given me new opportunities to challenge myself, improve my skills, and connect even more deeply with my Ukrainian heritage.

As an assistant instructor, my goal is to support younger dancers in building confidence, developing their technique, and finding joy in Ukrainian dance. I hope to share the same inspiration and encouragement that my teachers gave me, and to help every dancer I work with grow. 

Yurii K.

My passion for Ukrainian dance began after the war, as a way to stay connected to my heritage during a challenging time. The energy and rich cultural significance of the dance helped me find strength and resilience. I chose to dance to honour and preserve the beauty of Ukrainian traditions, while supporting and standing with the Ukrainian nation. Through dance, I aim to share this cultural legacy and contribute to the spirit of unity and pride.