The Rodovid Academy of Dance brings Ukrainian dancers, instructors, choreographers, and repetitors together in a way that has never been done before. Having successfully worked together in many facets, the Rodovid team offers 5-star instruction with incredibly talented dance masters throughout the world.
The Rodovid Academy is one that has grown completely organically thanks to a love of dance and a desire to continue the great tradition of Verkhovynets, Avramenko, Virsky, and so many more who work to preserve and evolve Ukrainian dance around the world. Having worked together under a number of great initiatives across Canada, Ukraine, and beyond, Lana Niland and Shannon Gabrush joined forces in 2019 and the Rodovid family was born.
Rodovid Academy of Ukrainian Dance looks to affect the Ukrainian dance world in many ways. Working with children all over the world, Rodovid co-founders realised that, depending on the community, access to information and general instruction varied, resulting in, different levels, terms, and understanding of Ukrainian dance. Wanting to affect positive change, Lana, Shannon, and the numerous dance masters they not only work with but bring into the Rodovid fore have set out to create a system they hope will help fill in the gaps where there are any for any dancer or instructor anywhere in the world.
Ukrainian dance is a special art form, which unites culture with history, traditions with a past narrative that is transformed into a moving storybook on stage. Underneath the costumes and makeup are dancers who have an amazing connection to their culture. It is one we at Rodovid want to nourish and help develop.
ABOUT US
As individuals, we have long been working in various facets of the Ukrainian dance world in Ukraine, Canada, and abroad.
Uniting masters involved in all areas of Ukrainian culture, from dance to costumes, music, folklore, and more, the Rodovid collective is a very special community. We offer everyone – dancers and teachers alike – the opportunity to dance, learn, and continue to allow your Ukrainian dance roots to grow into a strong and solid foundation.
Lana NICOLE Niland
Rodovid Co-founder
Lana returns to Canada often to work with groups across the country hosting workshops, creating choreography, and sitting in the adjudicator’s chair. Her experience in Ukraine and around the world gives her unique insight into the world of Ukrainian dance, striving always to bring out the very best in the dancers she works with.
Shannon Gabrush
Rodovid Co-founder
Shannon has been instructing Ukrainian dance for more than twenty years. Her teaching career began through the instructor apprenticeship program offered at Rushnychok and by the age of fifteen, she had begun teaching her first class.
Shannon Gabrush
Rodovid Co-founder
Shannon has been instructing Ukrainian dance for more than twenty years. Her teaching career began through the instructor apprenticeship program offered at Rushnychok and by the age of fifteen, she had begun teaching her first class.
Contributors
Rodovid is a well-rounded team of dance specialists, experienced choreographers, instructors, and creative leaders with different skill sets and talents who have come together to help create strong, educated, and able dancers. Each year, Rodovid works with different but amazing dance technicians who bring varied skill sets to the Rodovid Academy of Dance program and curriculum, ensuring each and every season is one that continues to build on the one before.
Rodovid would like to thank its sponsors and supporters
