Our Dance Instructors
Jessie Balan
Jesse developed a passion for Ukrainian dance at a young age and joined the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in 2012. With Volya, he has performed internationally in the United Kingdom, Greece, Colombia, and Croatia, and was part of the ensemble’s 25th Anniversary production at the Jubilee Auditorium. He also served on Volya’s Executive Board, supporting the ensemble’s artistic and organizational growth.
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Jesse began teaching at Koperoush in 2017 and now leads the school’s dance instruction. His lifelong dedication to Ukrainian dance, combined with years of performance and leadership experience, make him a respected and inspiring figure in the community.
Odessa Bahri
Odessa began dancing at age four, training in Ukrainian dance and ballet before expanding into jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and modern. A long-standing member of the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, she has performed internationally in Greece, Colombia, and Croatia, and now serves as the ensemble’s Productions Director, leading major events and fundraising initiatives.
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She began teaching Ukrainian dance in 2015 and has been part of the Koperoush family ever since. Odessa brings a strong foundation in youth mentorship, performance, and event coordination—along with a genuine passion for community and culture.
Lisa Halldorson
Lisa began her dance journey with the Alberta Zirka Performers in Calmar before joining the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, where she has performed across Europe, North and South America. She has trained with esteemed choreographers for over 20 years and remains deeply dedicated to the art of Ukrainian dance.
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She has shared this passion through teaching roles in Smoky Lake and Myrnam, and now continues as a co-instructor with Koperoush. Lisa finds great fulfillment in inspiring the next generation of dancers through her knowledge and love for Ukrainian culture.
Victoria Kovacevic
Victoria began dancing at the age of two, starting with ballet and jazz before discovering her passion for Ukrainian dance. She joined the Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble in 2019, performing in Portugal, Italy, and at the Jubilee Auditorium in the Dusha Narodu production. She also serves on Volya’s executive board, where she is currently Vice President.
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At Koperoush, Victoria teaches Technique alongside Odessa. Inspired by Ukrainian dance and culture, she finds great joy in teaching and performing, and is excited to share her love for the art form with others.