Based in Edmonton, the Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir (“Viter”) is a performing ensemble dedicated to preserving, developing and promoting Ukrainian culture through song and dance. Viter’s performances foster a greater awareness of Ukrainian heritage among its members and the public in Edmonton, Canada, and abroad.
 

Organizational Structure
The Artistic Team of Viter will be comprised of one Artistic Director and two supporting Artistic Team Members, consisting of either one or two Dance Artistic Team Members and/or one Choral Artistic Team Member (collectively, 3 positions which will form the “Artistic Team”). With leadership and vision under the auspices of the Artistic Director, this team will collaborate on the direction of all artistic aspects of Viter. The Artistic Team, through the Artistic Director, will report to the Board of Directors of Viter (the “Board”).

​

Position Profile
In conjunction with other members of the Artistic Team, the Artistic Director will deliver on an artistic mandate (to be ratified by the Board thereafter) which includes both “dance only” and “choir only” pieces as well as combined song and dance components and pieces. Such song and dance components shall be a collaborative effort of both the Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Viter Ukrainian Folk Choir.
 

The Artistic Director will provide oversight to ensure high-quality dance and choral training, choreography and artistic leadership to the Viter Ukrainian Dancers and Folk Choir in order to achieve the artistic mandate. The Artistic Director will have the final say on Artistic Team responsibilities and artistic liberties necessary to bring the artistic plans of Viter to fruition.

The Artistic Director will resume their duties in September 2026, however, collaborative meetings and planning sessions with the Artistic Team may commence earlier upon hiring.

General Duties
● Prepare and execute on an artistic plan, developed by the Artistic Director that reflects the objectives of Viter, with the support and collaboration of the entire Artistic Team, including approximate timelines for the plan and its delivery;
● Provide written artistic reports, for the purposes of securing funding from funding agencies, sponsors and donors and for monthly Board meetings;
● Provide estimated project figures for the budget (ie. costumes, music composition, workshops) to the Board in order to coordinate the artistic plan for the year and ensure that its delivery remains within budgetary parameters;
● Act as a Viter spokesperson for any media exposure as needed;
● Travel with Viter on all tours and act as a Viter spokesperson on all trips;
● Attend all Viter Board of Directors meetings (or send an appropriate delegate) and all General Meetings.

 

Artistic Duties
● Facilitate the implementation of the artistic vision of each Viter production and performance under the direction of the Artistic Director by working closely with the Artistic Team, guest directors, designers (costume, set and props),
choreographers, composers, writers, performers, technicians and other artistic personnel as required;
● Oversee and actively participate in rehearsals according to the set rehearsal schedule, providing training in classical, character and Ukrainian technique, plus any time required to develop and execute the artistic plan;

● Support the creation of appropriate, interesting and innovative dance choreography and/or choral content which both challenge dancers and choir and continue to grow the reputation of Viter as a unique and accomplished company, while maintaining the goal of Viter to preserve Ukrainian culture and tradition through song and dance;
● Provide leadership and develop appropriate relationships with the rest of the Artistic Team and Viter ensemble members to effectively support a positive and supportive studio atmosphere;
● Commit to timely learning and preparation of current and past Viter choreographic and/or choral pieces to lead in learning, cleaning and execution of the pieces;
● In collaboration with the Artistic Team, give final approval on all artistic elements and show structure representing the ensemble, including choreography, final designs of costumes and selection of music;
● Facilitate and be present at all dancer auditions and performances, unless alternative arrangements are made with the Artistic Team with oversight from the Board;
● Oversee theatre/venue set up, technical rehearsal and performance time;
● Collaborate with the Board and Artistic Team to plan and implement workshops, which may involve guest choreographers, conductors, or instructors, as required for execution of the artistic plan and improvement of technique for both dancers and choristers;
● In conjunction with the Communications Director of the Board, facilitate photoshoots for Viter as required for media/marketing materials;
● Perform administrative duties and research as needed for the development and execution of the artistic plan;
● In collaboration with the Artistic team, determine the feasibility of all performance requests and work with the Board to determine key details as required to confirm such requests, if appropriate.
 

Required Skills and Experience
Successful candidates will possess the following skills/qualities:

● Minimum 8 years of previous Ukrainian dance instruction and direction of a
performing ensemble at a leadership level, which includes character dance, ballet
and other relevant dance forms;
OR
● Minimum of 8 years of choral directorship and strategic direction of a performing
ensemble at a leadership level with experience in various vocal techniques
and styles;
● Previous experience at a senior level supplemented by performance/workshop
experience in Canada and/or Ukraine;
● Ability to direct, manage, and teach in the studio;
● Strong leadership abilities that foster a productive, supportive environment;
● Ability to collaborate with the Artistic Team Members and the Board;
● Knowledge of Ukrainian culture/folklore and various styles/music/lexicon of Ukrainian dance and choral music;
● Knowledge of regional accuracy when selecting music and costumes;
● Prior experience working in/with a song and dance ensemble would be considered an asset.
 

Application Process

1. Interested person(s) are asked to submit a resume/CV by email to viterhiring@gmail.com, which shall set out all previous teaching or conducting experience, training, personal references, links to any videos showcasing skills (i.e YouTube, Dropbox, etc.), any other relevant qualifications and contact information.
    

2. Viter’s Hiring Committee will review all submissions, and potential candidates will be contacted to arrange a meeting/interview with the Hiring Committee.

 

The application deadline is July 15, 2026; however, in the event that a suitable candidate is not found, this position may remain open until such time.