Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble is seeking to hire 1 Artistic Director.

The Artistic Director’s mandate will be to promote the appreciation, preservation, and development of Ukrainian dance culture as a contribution to Canada’s cultural mosaic. They will be responsible for overseeing all the artistic output of Rusalka as well as developing new artistic outreach programs.  The Artistic Director will work in conjunction with Rusalka’s Board of Directors in the planning of all productions and budgets, and all production decisions.

Reporting to the Management Committee the successful candidate will be responsible for Rusalka’s day to day operations.  Responsibilities include establishing the artistic direction of Rusalka, planning, coordinating and managing rehearsals, preparing the ensemble for performances, including scheduling extra rehearsals and call times for dancers and maintaining existing repertoire.  The Artistic Director will facilitate new and varied sources of choreography as required. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to: facilitate and be present at all dancer auditions, attend all Rusalka performances and events, provide instruction at Rusalka’s annual Ukrainian Dance Camp for 12-17-year-olds, develop and conduct Ukrainian dance workshops, and in coordination with the Director of the Rusalka UNF School of Dance, facilitate and implement a dance curriculum.

Qualifications & Experience:

Applicants should meet the following required qualifications to be considered for this position:

• Minimum 5-7 years of previous dance instruction in an artistic director capacity of a performing dance ensemble;
• Previous dance experience at a senior level supplemented by performance/workshop experience in Canada, Ukraine and internationally;
• Extensive knowledge of the culture, various regional styles, music, and lexicon of Ukrainian Folk Dance.  Knowledge and experience in other areas of dance would be an asset;
• Knowledge of regional accuracy when selecting music and costumes;
• Knowledge of ballet technique;
• Knowledge of character (folk) barre;
• Proven experience in theatrical and Ukrainian dance production;
• Superior talent as a choreographer;
• Ability to work within a defined budget;
• Ability to work within established deadlines;
• Knowledge of Arts administration;
• Superior interpersonal skills being able to with other members of the artistic team to collaborate ideas;
• Ability to direct, manage and teach in the studio and be a leader and role model to dancers;
• Optimistic and motivating;
• Must reside in the Winnipeg area or be willing to relocate.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  All interested applicants should submit a resume and two letters of reference in confidence to:

Amy Yakimoski, Chair

Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble

P.O. Box 3059, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4E5

Or apply by email to chair@rusalka.mb.ca