SONYA HORNER
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Lead Instructor - Intermediates and Seniors
Beginning her formal training at age four, Sonya began studying Ukrainian dance, ballet, tap, and jazz. Throughout her training, she has studied and completed RAD ballet Advanced II level, as well as CDTA tap and jazz. She was a company member and later a soloist during her 14 years with the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, getting to tour within Canada, the United States, and abroad to learn more about folk dance. She is now the répétiteur for the company.
Sonya continues to learn more about Ukrainian folk dance by working alongside the Artistic Director of Pavlychenko, Mr. Serhij Koroliuk, and attending workshops within Canada and abroad. She has travelled to Ukraine several times to study in depth with some of Ukraine’s most renowned artists.
In 2000, Sonya’s love of dance inspired her to begin teaching extensively around Saskatchewan. She began teaching all genres of dance, but now focuses on ballet and Ukrainian dance. She currently teaches at four dance clubs in Saskatchewan, as well as doing choreography and adjudicating for many others and teaching summer workshops in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
From 2010-2012, then again in 2017, she became the Ukrainian Dance Outreach Coordinator for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress-Saskatchewan Provincial Council, working as a liaison between the organization and the Saskatchewan Ukrainian dance community. She organized summer dance workshops for young dancers, as well as seminars for dance instructors and volunteer members.
Professionally, Sonya has a degree in Psychology, and works with youth at risk in Saskatoon.
BRIANNE DAVIDUIK
Instructor - B1, B2, Juniors, and Seniors
Beginning her dance training at age three, Brianne began studying Ukrainian dance with an emphasis on ballet technique.
Throughout her dance career she has attended many dance workshops taught by a number of Artistic Directors from Canada and Ukraine. She is currently a full cast member with the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, allowing her the opportunity to tour throughout Europe and Canada.
In 2015, Brianne's love of dance inspired her to begin teaching. Her love of choreography is projected on stage through the children in various award-winning performances.
Professionally, Brianne has her Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and works in Human Resources at the City of Saskatoon.
EASTIN NORMAND
Instructor - B1, B2, Juniors, and Seniors
In his younger years, Eastin was very dedicated to playing high level competitive hockey; however, his focus shifted to Ukrainian dance after being accepted into Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble (PFE) in 2019. Under the artistic direction of Serhij Koroluik, Eastin’s passion, dedication and skills grew stronger.
In addition to being a full-time cast member of PFE, Eastin continues to share his knowledge of Ukrainian dance as an instructor!
Eastin has had the opportunity to showcase his skills around the world, partaking in two international tours, as well as collaborating with the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Edmonton!
Some of Eastin’s favourite tricks are Kozy & Shchupaky!
CAITLYN PUTZ
Instructor - Pre Beginner, B1, B2, and Juniors
Caitlyn Putz started dancing when she was 3 years old. This Fall she is entering her 14th and final competitive dance season with Rushnychok Ukrainian Folk Dance Association. Caitlyn is also in her second year of bridging at Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble. In addition to Ukrainian dance, Caitlyn has training in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, tap, acro, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, pom, and cheer.
In 2018, Caitlyn travelled with a group of dancers from Rushnychok to Ukraine to tour the country, perform at various festivals & events in Lviv and Kyiv, and attend workshops with local dance groups, including Virsky. This summer, Caitlyn traveled to Brazil on a tour with dancers from Arkan Dance Company of Toronto.
This will be Caitlyn’s sixth year apprenticing at Rushnychok, supporting and learning from the best. She loves working with the younger dancers, getting to know them, and helping them improve in their training and technique. Caitlyn has also been working with dancers in small groups or one on one, to help them prepare for competitions.
Caitlyn is extremely excited to be joining the Svoboba family, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year’s dance season!
