Conversations with Angelica Zuenko

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Zuenko

Angelica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has always been about bringing stories to life through movement. Growing up in Canada with Ukrainian roots, I was surrounded by a mix of cultures that shaped me as an artist. I trained at institutions like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, the School of Alberta Ballet, Quinte Ballet School of Canada and BIG BANG Danse, which built my foundation in dance before I decided to expand into circus and acting.

My passion has taken me to some really exciting artistic hubs – Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, and London – where I’ve had the privilege of performing and refining my craft. Los Angeles especially has been essential for my career, as it is where I focused on building my acting skills at Larry Moss Studios and developing my dance repertoire at Millennium Dance Complex.

Currently, I’m the choreographer for Club Med Charlevoix, where I’m blending dance, theatre, and aerial artistry into dynamic and engaging productions. I’m constantly inspired by the power of art and how I can push boundaries, both for myself and the communities I work with.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges along the way have shaped who I am today. Early in my journey, training in ballet came with intense pressures. I struggled with an eating disorder during my final year of school, as the pursuit of perfection often took priority over physical health. Overcoming that was a pivotal moment for me, as it taught me the importance of balance in a demanding industry.

Later in my career, navigating professional dynamics was another challenge. Whether it was dealing with difficult personalities or competitive environments, I learned (and am still learning!) to approach these situations with understanding and compassion. It wasn’t easy at first, but responding with kindness often led to growth on both sides.

Despite these obstacles, I’ve always been driven by my love for storytelling and connection through art. The challenges have made the successes even more meaningful and have given me a deeper appreciation for the journey as a whole.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in dance, aerial arts, and theatre, and I’m always looking for ways to merge these elements to create unique performances. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to blend many different technical skill with emotional depth, telling stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

I love deep storytelling and am moved by music and life experiences, both my own and others’. The emotional power of a performance is something I’m always seeking to explore. I’m also passionate about seeing others grow as artists. Watching students or collaborators evolve and grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.

What I’m most proud of is the connection I make with the audience during a performance. There’s something incredibly powerful about feeling like you have the entire room with you, completely engaged in what you’re doing. I love the control I get over a group of people, guiding their experience and taking them on a journey.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is about growth, both personal and professional. It’s about pushing my own limits and continuing to evolve as an artist, while also helping others grow under my guidance. Success for me isn’t just about external recognition; it’s about creating meaningful work that resonates and makes an impact.

I also define success by the energy and value I bring to a room. When I’m able to inspire and uplift others, whether it’s through a performance or teaching, that’s when I know I’m on the right path. Success is a balance of doing what you love, making a positive impact, and feeling fulfilled in the process. <3

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelicazuenko.com
• Instagram: @angelicazuenko

Image Credits
Sidney Paiva
Daniel Schwartzberg