ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Shane Gibson
Shane leads our faculty of dedicated instructors and teaches alongside them in our School of Ukrainian Dance, as well as leading Junior Tryzub and Tryzub's Ensemble. Shane is a former member and past President of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, with whom he danced for more than 14 years. He has received training in Character Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Musical Theatre and has worked and trained with several celebrated artists in North America and Ukraine. Shane has complemented his dance training with studies in human anatomy/physiology, biomechanics, and visual and performing arts. He has shared his love of dance with students across Western Canada as an Artistic Director, Instructor or Adjudicator and is currently focused on developing and delivering quality professional development and resources for Ukrainian dance instructors. Shane has successfully created an original full length production for Tryzub's Ensemble titled Heroiam Slava - Glory to the Heroes; taking this on tour to Ukraine in the summer of 2019 and Western Canada in the fall of 2019; and has currently been working on Tryzub's 50th Anniversary Show– ``Dzvinka``
TRYZUB SCHOOL
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
TRYZUB ENSEMBLE ASSISTANT
OLENA BRAHINA
Olena Brahina brings over 20 years of professional experience in choreography, with Ukrainian dance at the heart of her artistic journey. For her, dance is more than movement—it is passion, culture, and love woven into every step. After moving from Ukraine, she carried this dedication across borders, continuing to inspire through her artistry and teaching.
Since 2022 with Tryzub, Olena is deeply appreciated by students and parents for her ability to combine discipline with creativity, while honoring the rich traditions of Ukrainian dance. Her impact reaches beyond the classroom; she proudly served as choreographer and stage manager for the Dzvinka project, celebrating Tryzub’s 50th anniversary with unforgettable artistry and vision.
GUEST CHOREOGRAPHER
CASUAL INSTRUCTOR
Vitali Brahin
Vitalii Brahin brings with him over 25 years of professional experience from Ukraine as both a performer and teacher — and for him, it’s much more than a career, it’s a true passion. As a former member of the world-renowned Virsky Ensemble and Zaporizhzhia Cossacks, Vitalii carries a rich legacy of Ukrainian dance that inspires and elevates every dancer he works with. His talent goes far beyond the stage — Vitalii is a powerhouse choreographer and an exceptional teacher. His work on ``Dzvinka`` project showcased not only his creative vision, but also his unique ability to bring out the best in every dancer he trains. With a sharp eye for detail, endless energy, and a deep understanding of movement, he transforms technique into art. Vitalii’s classes are challenging, motivating, and full of passion — dancers trust him, respect him, and consistently grow under his guidance.
BALLET LEAD INSTRUCTOR
SOPHIE ZILKE
Miss Sophie trained at the International School of Ballet as well as Drewitz Dance Productions throughout her 15 years of training. She has studied in the style designed by the Royal Acdemy of Dance and completed all levels from Pre-Primary up to Advanced 2 with Distinction. Sophie has also performed with Jeunesse Classique Ballet for the last 12 years and evolved from the smallest role - Seraphim, to the Principal role of Sugar Plum Fairy in the 2023 production of The Nutcracker. Other productions and variations she has danced include: La Bayadere, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and most recently La Fille Mal Gardee.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
Anna Krymkovska
My name is Anna Krymkovska, and started doing Ukrainian dance 4 years ago when I saw Tryzub dance at Globalfest. Have been dancing with the ensemble for a year now, and have had the privilege to tour Dzvinka through western Canada, as well as go on this years summer tour to Billingham in England. Outside of dance, I am an active member of the Ukrainian community, being a scouter and a scout leader in Plast. I also enjoy spending time in the outdoors going on hikes, as well as camping. Ukrainian dance is my passion, and I can’t wait to share this love with my students!
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
KARISSA MACDONALD
Karissa is an assistant instructor at the Tryzub School of Ukrainian Dance and is now in her 15th year of Ukrainian dance. Tryzub school being where she started her journey she has also danced in the Junior Ensemble and is entering her third year with the Tryzub Ukrainian Ensemble. Throughout her time in Tryzub Karissa has done various solos, small groups, and large group dances. In which she has recently started teaching at Tryzub. When not in the studio you can find Karissa in her role as a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball, volleyball, track and field, and golf for her school. She is very passionate about sharing the love of her culture with students at Tryzub School and helping them conquer the stage this upcoming dance season.
ASSITANT INSTRUCTOR
NOLAN VAN RYZEWYK
Nolan began Ukrainian dancing in 2013 under the artistic direction of Anna and Vasyl Kanevets and has taught with Tryzub School since the fall of 2015. Now as a Tryzub Ensemble alumni, Nolan will be marking his 10th year working with the Tryzub school, where he continues to share his energy and love of Ukrainian dance with his students. Outside of dance, Nolan is a full time behaviour therapist, working closely with children on the autism spectrum. Nolan loves travelling, spending time with his families, and enjoys quality time with his fiancé, Josh, and new Italian greyhound puppy, Oliver.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
LAUREN SAUNDERS
Lauren Saunders studied ballet at the International School of Ballet with the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus for 13 years. Throughout her ballet career, Lauren danced with Jeunesse Classique Ballet where she climbed the ranks to perform principle roles such as Sugarplum, Aurora, and Coppélia. She danced at the Alberta Ballet School for one year of training with their junior school where she studied the Cecchetti syllabus, and attended The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Post-Secondary Aspirant Program where she performed in RWB’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake. More locally, Lauren is a member of Tryzub's Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, and is a proud cast member of Tryzub's 50th Anniversary production, ``Dzvinka``.
ASSITANT INSTRUCTOR
ANNA PIDHORODETSKA
Anna began dancing at a young age, and has since decided to integrate choreography into her life as much as possible. She studied for 9 years in the 'Folk Stage Dance' department, earning three diplomas - the latest of which is a master's degree from the Academy of Culture and Arts Leadership in Kyiv. Anna had the opportunity to work within the Ivano-Frankivsk National Academic Hutsul Song and Dance Ensemble 'Hutsuliia'. During her time in Ukraine, Anna had extensive experience working with children, having taught dance to children aged 3 to 5 in kindergarten and in an art school. Anna is also the founder of the dance studio 'Euphoria', where she teaches children aged 6 to 16.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR
JACKSON LINDGREN
Jackson has been dancing for 12 years, beginning at the age of four with the Tryzub School. He has received Ukrainian dance instruction from teachers of diverse backgrounds by attending intensive workshops and camps. Through these experiences, he has developed strong skills and technical elements of Ukrainian dance, which he hopes to share with his students. During his time in Junior Tryzub, Jackson earned several scholarships and awards for his Bukovynian Solo. He now dances with the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, where a career highlight has been performing in the Ensemble’s 50th anniversary production Dzvinka and participating in Billingham’s International Folk Festival in the United Kingdom.
In addition to Ukrainian dance, Jackson has performed in classical ballet productions as a member of Jeunesse Classique Ballet Society, appearing in works such as The Nutcracker and Giselle. He believes ballet is essential for mastering the technical foundations of Ukrainian dance. With training in both Ukrainian Dance and Classical Ballet, Jackson offers a unique perspective to help his students strengthen their fundamental abilities.