Album Notes

Shumka's internationally acclaimed Cinderella is a visually breathtaking work featuring more than 40 dancers in action-packed Kozak leaps, inventive choreography, clever comedy and beautiful romantic duets. Gordon Gordey directs this classic folk tale - a striking journey in theatrical dance - through the rich palette of Ukrainian village culture and celebrations at the Harvest Ball of the Hetman's Court. Gordey fills his stage with spectacular production numbers: traditional dances full of flying ribbons and rhythmic footwork, the hilarious antics of the desperate Stepsisters, and, of course, a handsome Prince in search of the beautiful Princess, Cinderella, who is whisked away from the BAll by a mysterious Gypsy Queen.

Producer Michael H. Sulyma and choreographers John Pichlyk and Dave Ganert join international award-winning choreographer Viktor Lytvynov in creating a vividly imaginative world dance work for the whole family to enjoy. Their choreographic collaboration makes for extraordinary dance: fast, technically demanding, lyrically sensitive, and emotionally stirring.

Set to a sweeping symphonic score by Kyiv's Yuri Shevchenko, with manificent sets and costumes by The National Opera and Ballet of Ukraine's Maria Levitska, Shumka's Cinderella is a sumptuous feast for the ears and the eyes. (Running time: 65 minutes)

"Shumka's remake of the fairy-tale classic is a mega dance spectacle that promises to do for Ukrainian folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish stepping..." (Globe and Mail)

"Cinderella, Shumka-style, is an invigorating flourish of pure dance...a kaleidoscope of brilliant colour." (Edmonton Journal)

SPECIAL BONUS FEATURE: White Boots to China: Shumka's Cinderella Story

Travel with Shumka on an extraordinary visual journey through China's bustling cities, opulent theatres, captivating countryside and historic landmarks, as Shumka's Cinderella brings together East and West. Share in the splendour of China's spectacular Forbidden City, the Great Wll and the majestic Hong Kong Harbor, captured through the hearts of Canada's Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. (Running time: 23 minutes)