Kaitlyn Kruk was born and raised in Vegreville, Alberta, in a large Ukrainian family. Growing up, through family, dance, and school she was immersed in Ukrainian culture, which created in her a passion for promoting and preserving Ukrainian culture.
Kaitlyn at 3 years of age, began Ukrainian dance with the Sopilka School of Ukrainian Dance, participating in numerous competitions and performances.
In school, Kaitlyn was enrolled in the Ukrainian Bilingual program, at AL. Horton in Vegreville, Alberta. Teaching Ukrainian dance, became a passion for Kaitlyn when she was given the opportunity to teach and choreograph Ukrainian dance at Kyiv’s K Hi Ukrainian Orthodox camp in Bonnyville, Alberta. Spending 18 summers attending the camp, teaching children of all ages, with varying levels of dance experience. Kaitlyn continues to support, contribute and be a part of the Kyiv’s K Hi Ukrainian Orthodox community.
In 2013, Kaitlyn moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where she danced with Kvitka Ukrainian Dancers and the Dovbush Dancers. She dedicated 5 years as an instructor with the Dovbush School of Dance and served as the Artistic Director at the Yevshan School of Ukrainian Dance in Abbotsford for over 7 years.
In 2017, Kaitlyn had the opportunity to live in Ukraine for a year, where she immersed herself, studying dance, language, and culture with the state ensembles, in 5 different cities across Ukraine. Her experience enriched her knowledge and training in Ukrainian dance and provided a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s diverse regions, costumes, and traditions.
Now living in Ukraine full-time, Kaitlyn continues to deepen her knowledge of Ukrainian dance and culture, while also contributing to the ongoing war effort through her work with Ukrainian Patriot, a humanitarian organization. She helps run dance resilience programming for children in frontline communities and those affected by the war. Though not always in a classic studio space, Kaitlyn enjoys using her knowledge and training to share her passion for Ukrainian dance with those in Ukraine.
Kaitlyn is thrilled to be at CNUF celebrating its 60th anniversary. Good luck to all the dancers and performers, and here’s to a weekend of sharing and honoring our vibrant Ukrainian culture and heritage.
