The DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto is pleased to kick off its 37^th season with a school for the youth of Toronto.

Fostering growth, education and culture is the foundation of DESNA and the company wishes to share its vision with the future generation.  There’s nothing more rewarding than to give children a setting where they can develop as individuals and discover their traditional culture.

It is the goal of the DESNA School to provide a safe, positive and fun environment in which young dancers can learn and step up to a higher level of Ukrainian dance technique.

Ukrainian dance is a great way for kids (and adults) to get in touch with their culture.  At DESNA your child will have the opportunity to:

* Spark interest in Ukrainian culture and feel Ukrainian Pride

* Build confidence and instill discipline

* Step up to the next level of Ukrainian Dance under qualified, high caliber, Virsky style instructors

* Perform on stage

* Diversify and boost abilities with international dance and character techniques

* Build friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime

* You can also take adult classes alongside your child!

Junior, Senior, Intermediate,  DESNA Apprentice

The DESNA Ukrainian Dance School is honoured to be working under the artistic direction of Luba and Yuri Grekov, graduates of the Virsky National Academy of Dance in Kyiv, Ukraine. In addition to having a comprehensive knowledge of Ukrainian dance they are also professionally trained in many international dances such as Spanish, Gypsy, Greek, Moldavian, Georgian and Mexican. Having toured throughout Europe and North America, Luba and Yuri performed with Moscow’s GODENKO Dance Company, Kyiv’s VIRSKY National Dance Company, and Ukraine’s “HOPAK” Ensemble.

Upon first moving to Canada, Luba and Yuri became artistic directors of the RUSALKA Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They also simultaneously directed the VESNIANKA Dance Ensemble at the Thunder Bay Ukrainian institute “Prosvita” from 1994 to 2007. In 2003 their mutual desire to unite Ukrainian dance communities throughout the world has lead to the creation of the “International Summer School of Ukrainian Dance” in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Luba and Yuri teach the Virsky style of Ukrainian dance, which encompasses in-depth ethnological knowledge and conveys the spirit and richness of Ukrainian dance. Since 1999, they have been essential sources of artistic and creative vision for the DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto.

Parent and Tot

Beth is an adult and child movement specialist, teaching group fitness classes to adults and kids as well as personal training through her business, CareerFit Mom.

Beth spent her childhood in dance lessons ranging from ballet, tap and jazz.  She joined the Chaban Ukrainian Dance Company in Thunder Bay at the age of 14 where she was a Senior performer and Dance Instructor for five years.

Upon moving to Toronto in 2000, Beth joined the DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company and studied under Yuri and Luba Grekov until she gave birth to twin girls in 2006 (Hillary and Luba).  She also attended two sessions of the International Summer School of Ukrainian Dance in Kyiv.

Today, as a certified Fitness Instructor Specialist and Personal Trainer, Beth helps mothers to lose weight, build strength and learn to love their bodies – stretch marks and all.  She is excited to share her passion for fitness and dance while encouraging parents to be active role models for and with their children.

Ukie Fit

Born and raised in the prairies of Saskatchewan, Larisa grew up immersed in the Ukrainian culture.  She attended her first Ukrainian dance class at the age of four and has never turned back.

For more than 15 years, Larisa has been instructing and choreographing Ukrainian and Swing dance.  She has worked with students from across Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario.

Larisa was an ensemble and soloist dancer with Saskatoon’s Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, and currently dances with the DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto.  Her dance performances have taken her throughout Canada, the United States, Brazil and Ukraine.

Currently, Larisa is a fully certified Mat and Equipment Pilates Instructor, Teacher Trainer and Teacher Training Advisor at Body Harmonics Pilates where she teaches group classes and private sessions.  Her clientele range from three years to older adult with diverse goals including general fitness, post-rehab, improving posture and losing weight.  She also holds the Muscle Activation Technique’s Jumpstart Certification, and is currently completing her Resistance Training Specialist designation.

Drawing on her background in movement training, Pilates and Ukrainian dance, Larisa has designed and created the Ukie-Fit program offered by the DESNA School of Ukrainian Dance.  The class will be a fusion of Cardio, Pilates and Ukrainian dance to give participants afresh,  fun and effective work-out.

Pre-Beginner, Beginner

Lesia has a strong dance background rooted in ballet, Ukrainian and modern dance.  She has completed ballet examinations at the National Ballet of Canada, attended numerous dance competitions and performed extensively throughout the world.

Some of Lesia’s past performances have included performances at the Toronto Ukrainian Festival, for Royal Ontario’s Museum for Ukrainian Heritage Day, and tours to Florida, Italy, Ukraine, and Korea.

Although Lesia loves to dance and perform, she also loves teaching young children the art of movement and dance.

“It is my responsibility as a teacher is to help dancers reach their fullest potential.  I do this through fun and creative activities, which foster dancers’ growth, development and participation in teamwork.”

Lesia is currently completing a double major in Anthropology and Economics with a minor in French at the University of Toronto.  She loves marketing and is grooming herself for a career in the industry.  Teaching and studying dance has been and always will be an outlet for Lesia to express herself.  She is currently a member of the DESNA Ukrainian Dance Company of Toronto, and is looking forward to instructing at the DESNA School of Ukrainian Dance.