Natasha Olshevska
Artistic Director
Natasha moved to Canada following an illustrious career where she studied dance in Ukraine for 16 years performing in numerous countries around the world. Natasha also danced with Theatre Ballet in Ukraine for three years where she was awarded a “first category ballerina” degree.
In addition Natasha taught dance in Ukraine for six years. She currently dances with Calgary’s Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre and has taught with Yalenka since 2001. She continues to dedicate herself to Yalenka's dancers and is well known for her creative choreography and vision behind Yalenka’s storyline each year. Her passion and love of dance is legendary!
Dean Mackedenski
Instructor/Choreographer
Dean Mackedenski began his journey of dance in rural Manitoba with classical and character ballet studies while founding and instructing the Vinok Ukrainian Dance Group. Dean is an alumnus of the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and the Lethbridge Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers. In addition to teaching Ukrainian dance workshops across western Canada, he has created award-winning musical theatre choreography and is also a resident instructional artist of Arts Commons.
Dean instructed with the Tryzub School of Ukrainian Dance from 2006 until 2019 and also held the position of Tryzub School Director from 2010 to 2019. As the Interim Artistic Director of the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society for 2016 – 2017, Dean provided instruction and choreography to Tryzub School, Junior Tryzub, and the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, with his work being showcased by Tryzub at Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival.
Since 2009, Dean has been the Ensemble Artistic Director for the Lethbridge Troyanda Ukrainian Dancers. He has created storyline productions, multicultural showcases, and collaborated with various southern Alberta arts groups, including the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra.
Jordan Trechka
Instructor/Choreographer
Jordan comes to the Yalenka family with over a decade of diverse dance and teaching experiences. Graduating from the University of Calgary with a BA in contemporary dance, and a BEd. in Early Childhood Education. Jordan has been excited to share his passion for movement with children and adults any chance he gets. Having danced under the direction of Serguei Makarov with Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre, Jordan has toured across Canada, Europe, Australia and the western United States delighting audiences. As a proud supporter of the local Ukrainian community, he loves to teach the art of dance, and is also a member of Korinnya Folk Ensemble.
Lorraine Chanasyk
Instructor/Choreographer
Driven by her love of dance, music and the arts, Lorraine has upheld a lifelong dedication to Ukrainian dance and culture. Her dance career began in rural Alberta, before moving to Edmonton in 1977. In 1980, she joined the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers until her retirement in 1992.
In addition to dancing, Lorraine took interest in artistic matters including choreography, research and costuming. Additionally, she engaged in other facets of the organization including serving on the Board of Directors, the strategic planning, as well as touring committees.
Lorraine has toured extensively with Shumka, both nationally and internationally. In 1992, she was awarded a Membership with Distinction. Throughout her dance career, she has enjoyed teaching dance to many young children. Lorraine has taught in rural Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary. She is strong supporter of the arts communities in both Calgary and Edmonton.
“It is a privilege to be in the studio teaching young, talented dancers. And it is my hope that they will be afforded the opportunities to do great things both on and off the stage, all in the name of dance.”
Olena Hryhorieva
Instructor/Choreographer
Olena Hryhorieva was born and raised in Ukraine where she had a distinguished career as a choreographer and created a successful dance ensemble of 150 people, which is now 15 years old. After being active in the Ukrainian dance scene for over 20 years and performing in many countries, she is well known for her dance productions and many of her dances have won top awards in competitions. Olena moved to Canada in 2023 where she continues to dedicate herself to the art of dance in Calgary working with Yalenka for the past two years. Her love for children and of course for the art of dance is obvious!
Svitlana Gladka
Instructor/Choreographer
Svitlana Gladka's journey is one that embodies dedication and a profound love for dance. Born in Ukraine, her passion for movement ignited at a young age when she joined the Children's Dance Theatre. Over the course of a remarkable 10-year journey, Svitlana's talent and commitment flourished. Completing her education, Svitlana earned a master's degree in choreography and primary school education, setting the stage for her professional career. She embarked on her path as a dance teacher, specializing in ballet, ballroom, and modern dance at a college of Culture and Art in Ukraine. Notably, she ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a thriving dance school catering to adults, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and love for sharing the joy of dance.
Svitlana's passion for dance extends beyond the studio. She embraced a fulfilling role at the University, where she imparted her knowledge of ballet and traditional Ukrainian folk dances. Her artistic talents aren't limited to dance alone; she graduated from a music school, showcasing her proficiency in the domra (a string instrument) and piano. Through her experiences and unwavering dedication, Svitlana Gladka's ultimate aim is to spread joy through dance. For her, dance isn't just a profession; it's a love, a passion, and a way of life.
In her own words, "I will be infinitely happy if at least some of my students love dance as much as I do." Svitlana's story is one of inspiration, commitment, and a deep-seated desire to ignite the same passion for dance in others that has driven her throughout her extraordinary journey.
