He began dancing at the age of three, and graduated with honors from the Professional Dance and Dance Education program at Chernivtsi College of Cultural Arts. Immediately after receiving his diploma, Zhenia embarked on a 12-year professional career with the Bukovyna State Song and Dance Ensemble, performing internationally as an ensemble member, principal dancer and primary soloist.

He immigrated to Canada in 1993, where he quickly became an established and highly respected teacher, adjudicator and choreographer.

The Volya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble has been privileged to be under the artistic direction of Zhenia Bahri since 2000. Born and raised in Ukraine, Zhenia became entranced by his native country’s artistic traditions at a young age.