Troyanda Society of Ukrainian Culture & Heritage
Photo by Jorja Wiegel
Kailee Martin - Student Teacher
Kailee is probably most identifiable as being one of “the twins”. She is in grade 11 at the Composite High School and is in her 10th year as a Troyanda Ukrainian Dancer. She loves working with her class of tiny dancers and her fun, kind, and energetic spirit makes her a natural teacher.
Kjersten Opdahl - Student Teacher
Kjersten is a senior dancer who has been dancing with Troyanda for over 10 years. She has enjoyed student teaching for the past two. She is 16 and in grade 11 French Immersion. Her favourite region is Poltava. She is a well-rounded dancer with experience in all styles of dance, training with Diverse Dance Company while not at Troyanda.
Aimee Martin - Student Teacher
Aimee is in grade 11 at the Composite High School and is in her 10th year as a Troyanda Ukrainian Dancer. She’s probably most identifiable as being one of “the twins” but it’s her kind, gentle and joyful spirit that helps bring out the best in her class of tiny dancers.
Ms. Kailey Guenette ~ Artistic Director & Lead Instructor
Certified Instructor Shumka Syllabus of Ukrainian Dance Tier 1 & 2
RAD RTS | Progressing Ballet Technique | RAUD
Acrobatic Arts AAC1 | CDTA Jazz Associate Member | Autism Movement Therapy®
Ms. Kailey has been a member of Troyanda for more than 20 years, first as a dancer, then an instructor and now as Troyanda's Artistic Director. As a dancer Kailey trained with highly regarded instructors Ken Kachmar, Vincent Rees, and Paul Olijnyk. Kailey's dedication to dance led her to participate in numerous intensive summer programs across Western Canada and the U.S., where she had the privilege of learning from a diverse and talented array of teachers. In addition to her extensive background in Ukrainian dance, Kailey has studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and contemporary dance styles.
Her passion for Ukrainian dance has taken her to Ukraine multiple times, where she has studied Ukrainian dance and culture through Cobblestone Freeway's Ukrainian Dance Instructor's Tour. This experience allowed her to learn from and perform with some of Ukraine's most renowned ensembles. She had the great privilege of mentoring under Paul Olijnyk and Katrina Dumo, an experience that has significantly influenced her instructional and choreographic style.
Kailey remains committed to her professional development by attending various dance instructor workshops and training programs across Canada and the U.S. She is a certified instructor of Shumka's Syllabus of Ukrainian Dance and a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. She completed the RAUD Beginner & Junior Curriculum and holds several other teaching qualifications.
For over a decade, Ms. Kailey has been instrumental in nurturing Troyanda dancers, fostering strong technical skills while promoting teamwork and a deep love for dance. We are immensely proud to have one of our own former dancers leading Troyanda, her dedication and passion for our organization is truly invaluable.
Summer Tomiak ~ Instructor
Info coming soon...