David Woznak
(Artistic Director)

Dave comes from Johnstown, Pa. In 1977, he received his first formal dance training while attending a dance seminar/workshop in Kiev, Ukraine, under the direction of Klara Balog, the Artistic Director of the dance ensemble Zakarpatsky Choir, and Mr.and Mrs. Kamin of the Institute of Culture. David performed with the American Dance Ensemble of Point Park College of Pittsburgh, PA, and the Kasamon Ballet. As a specialist in character dance, he taught at the School of Cleveland Ballet. He became Artistic Director of Kashtan in 1990. In addition to his work with Kashtan, he directs an annual summer workshop in Lehighton, PA.

Markian Komichak
(Instructor)

Mark was Kashtan’s first Artistic Director. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he began dancing at an early age with the legendary instructor Vasile Avramenko. During the winter of 1974-75, he joined the New York dance team of Roman and
Lewko Strockyj for a ten week engagement at Radio City Music Hall. There, the group gave 300 consecutive performances as part of the Christmas Spectacular. In 1975, Markian founded and directed the Ukrainian Dance Workshop in the Catskill Mountains, and during the 1990s he taught character dance for the School of Cleveland Ballet. Presently, he teaches at the Cleveland School of Dance.