Our Instructors

INSTRUCTORS: Please join us in welcoming our new instructor, Bryan Pitchko to the family, and Corinna Dooley who is returning as our Artistic Director.

Bryan began dancing at age 4 at his local parish in Winnipeg Sts. Peter and Paul.  He continued dance after his family moved to Calgary in 1992. After dancing with Yalenka and Tryzub schools Bryan joined the Tryzub Ensemble when he was 14. During his 4 years with Tryzub, Bryan toured Canada, the United States and Australia. In 2005 Bryan had the great opportunity to share the stage with both his older sisters and his mother and father, all of whom are dancers as well. After moving to Edmonton in 2004 to attend the University of Alberta, Bryan joined the ranks of Volya! and over the last six years has toured Italy, San Francisco, New York, Slovenia, Serbia, and most recently Turkey. In 2007 Bryan began teaching with the Kupalo Ukrainian Dancers and has taken the youth ensemble on tours through California, New York and Ireland. Outside of dancing Bryan is currently finishing his last year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Grant MacEwan University and is talented bass guitarist.

Corinna (Crockett) Dooley has been involved in the dance community for 25 years; with extensive training in ballet and Ukrainian dance as well as workshop opportunities in jazz, modern, contemporary and musical theatre. Corinna danced for 7 years with the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, participated in the national tour of Cinderella, as well as performed in notable performances for Queen Elizabeth II, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and many other dignitaries. Corinna was also fortunate to be involved in a USA tour of “A Royal Christmas” with opera sensation – Andrea Bocelli. Corinna has been teaching Ukrainian dance in rural and urban settings for more than 10 years. She has participated in numerous workshops both locally and in Ukraine in order to diversify her repertoire and broaden her dance horizons. She is also a qualified Shumka Dance Syllabus Academy Instructor. Corinna has taught with Sopilka for 3 years and is excited for the 2010/2011 dance season!