Edmonton seniors staying fit through Shumka dance
By Quinn Olson on November 14, 2025
Shumka Dance Centre is heading into the 10th year of its Seniors Can Shumka program. A group that started off small, with only eight dancers, has grown to 41 seniors.
“The absolute energy in this classroom is just so much fun, they are all here to have a good time,” said Tasha Orysiuk, Artistic Director of the Seniors Can Shumka program. “Nobody comes here not wanting to dance, they all want to be here. When you have that positive energy, it really is fantastic.”
At 89, Victor Melech is the program’s oldest dancer. He’s danced with the group for the last eight years and says it’s not only helped his social life, but also his physical health.
“As soon as I started here, I realized what poor shape I was in,” said Melech. “I lost 70 pounds; I weigh 167 now. Before, I would do a dance step, and my head would be covered in water I’d sweat so much. Now, I can do the whole program for an hour and a half and barely sweat at all, so it’s done me a lot of good.”
Although fitness was a pull to get many people into Shumka, the community aspect is just as important. Many of these seniors look forward to classes not only for the exercise, but also for the friendships created.
“The Shumka dancers are so welcoming and so amazing, we have so much fun,” said Zoie McIntyre, Seniors Can Shumka dancer. “You don’t even worry if missed steps because there’s always somebody there to help you. We all have each other’s backs.”
The Seniors Can Shumka group will be performing at the Jubilee Auditoriam in April and May.