Origins of Chervoni Boots

In 2014 Lesia Harhaj, Halyna Polischuk and Danya Wasylyk - the previous administrative directors of DESNA Ukrainian Dance School - decided that it would be a great idea to unite dancers from various groups to learn more about their Ukrainian culture and enjoy dance in an outdoor environment. This resulted in the birth of Chervoni Boots Summer Camp. 

The camp began as a small idea hosted in Sokil Camp grounds owned by UNF Toronto, now a larger dance camp that has moved to Camp Veselka!

 

Outgoing Camp Director

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Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Danya was heavily involved with the small, but active Ukrainian community which included Ukrainian School, dance and scouts (PLAST). Through PLAST, Danya has developed the necessary organizational, structural, and management skills it takes to run a successful camp! Attending her first Ukrainian dance lesson at the age of three, her passion for Ukrainian dance and ballet has only grown stronger as she has continued to dance and perform around the world. In 2019, Danya was presented with an award as a recognized soloist in the Desna Ukrainian Dance Company from M. Vantych - president of Virsky Ensemble in Ukraine. She has been with Chervoni Boots from the birth of the camp and is excited to continue sharing the passion that she has for her Ukrainian heritage, it's , culture and beauty.

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Past Camp Directors

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Our first camp directors Halyna Polischuk and Lesia Harhaj who were the administrative directors of DESNA Ukrainian Dance School for 5 years, both have a strong dance background rooted in ballet, Ukrainian and modern dance.

 

Halyna has over 20 years dance experience under her belt and over 10 years teaching experience.  Growing up in Kitchener she was actively involved in the Ukrainian Community through Ukrainian School, Church and Ukrainian Dance. Dancing with the group Pryvit, she slowly began volunteering, teaching and then transitioned to become the Artistic Director of the School of Ukrainian Dance in Kitchener.  She has participated in multiple dance workshops along with directing some herself.

Lesia has completed ballet examinations at the National Ballet of Canada, attended numerous dance competitions, and performed extensively throughout the world. Some of Lesia’s past performances include the Royal Ontario’s Museum Ukrainian Heritage Day, and tours to Florida, Italy, Ukraine, and Korea. Lesia is now our main cook, and loves to help out wherever she can!