Koperoush
School of Ukrainian Dance
Koperoush is a parent run, family friendly Dance Association dedicated to providing children with the highest caliber of Ukrainian dance instruction in Sherwood Park, Alberta since 1997. Dancers as young as four years old are welcomed to join our group to learn Ukrainian dance technique. Our highly qualified instructors teach under the meticulous guidance of Artistic Director Zhenia Bahri.
Zhenia Bahri's
20th Anniversary
Feb. 2020
Zhenia Bahri’s love for dance was ignited when he first began dancing at the Palace of Pioneers in Kitsman, Ukraine. This early experience led him to search for a career in professional dance. Zhenia graduated from the Chernivtsi College of Cultural Arts in the Faculty of Dance. He graduated with honours with a diploma in Professional Dance and Dance Education. Soon after graduation, Zhenia was accepted to dance with the Bukovyna State Song and Dance Ensemble, with whom he toured over 12 countries. During his employment with this professional ensemble, he was the primary soloist and highest-paid dancer.
In 1993 Zhenia came to Canada and taught Ukrainian dance with various groups. The reputation of his excellence spread and Zhenia was invited to conduct workshops and adjudicate in many cities across Canada. Zhenia has conducted many regional workshops as well as male technical and solo workshops.
While dancing with the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Zhenia was asked to become the director in the fall of 2000. He has had 20 very successful years with Volya, creating a brand new, exciting repertoire. He has led Volya on tour to Salt Lake City, Germany, Holland, Brazil, Italy, California, Portugal, New York, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Turkey, Azores Islands, France, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Colombia.
Zhenia's vast experience has afforded him the artistic insight of a professional dancer, the choreographic excellence of a respected director, and the passion of a man who has dedicated his life to the art of Ukrainian dance.