Traditional Russian Dance Ensemble "Kalinka" of Baltimore

Traditional Russian Dance Ensemble "Kalinka" of Baltimore was formed in 2002 by a group of character dance enthusiasts. The ensemble, based in Baltimore, MD, has earned a reputation as the area's leading presenter of folk choreographed character dance in Washington-Baltimore area. Kalinka is an amateur group with professional standards.

  Traditional Russian Dance Ensemble "Kalinka" of Baltimore directed by choreographer, performer and director Katya Denisova, a native of St. Petersburg, Russia where she received her training in the art of dance presentation. The Ensemble is rich in energy, passion and excitement - the ultimate in folklore presentation! The works of the Kalinka Dance Ensemble of Baltimore include numerous performances in theatres and concert halls in Maryland, Virginia and DC.

  Since January 2002 the Ensemble have been rehearsing and performing with The Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra and Quartet on different stages within Baltimore- Washington area. The list of gigs includes the Russian Embassy in Washington DC, Russian Noble Society Ball, Northern Virginia Community College, Gordon Center for Performing Arts, Russian Festival in Baltimore as well as various clubs, community functions, and private parties.

  The dances are performed in beautifully detailed, elaborate costumes and accompanied by a full orchestra, Russian Folk Instruments quartet/trio or recorded music. Great love of dancing are constantly hedging the dancers towards a higher degree of mastery. Kalinka's popularity is growing with every year, and with every year grows the number of people admiring their bright, vital talent. Each performance by the Kalinka dance Ensemble is an unforgettable show of dance mastery, grace and energy, with costumes as colorful, varied and exquisite as the dance movements.

  The Company's various program includes Russian dances makes each performance a breathtaking display of the very best in dance from different regions of Russia. The repertoire of the ensemble consists mostly of dances, created by the artistic leader of ensemble Katya Denisova. These multiepisode choreographed compositions are created on the base of Russian folklore, and also on modern dance plastics and changing of the contrasted rhythms.

  The great variety of motions and colors, the original manner of performing Russian dances as well as its dash and vigor never leave spectators indifferent. Audiences are captivated by the vivid character portrayals, the musical movements, and the fanciful patterns of the choreographic design. Russian character dance uniquely blends folk idiom and ballet techniques as the dancers act out specific situations "in character".

  These themes combined with challenging artistic styling and humor create a program which is both accessible and visually exciting. These colorful footstamping performances carry you away and leave unforgettable memories. Who could resist this high velocity dancing with its pyrotechnic jumping, slapping, squatwork, jumps that defy gravity, syncopated heel work and crisp finishes? Spiritual buoyancy, technical precision, uplifting music and kaleidoscopic costumes make Russian dance show a truly exciting and unforgettable experience.

  One of the most important elements in the scenic dance is the costume. The costumes are handmade and authentic to the region portrayed in each dance. Costumes help to bring home to the spectators the idea of the choreographer, making the image of each personage more expressive, contributing to a finer perception of each dance.

  REPERTOIRE: Quadrille, Sailors' Dance, Kalinka, Bright Moon, Katyusha, Shenkurskie zakovyry, Woolen boots, On the Bench, Russian Lady

DANCERS: Olena Chwesik, Katya Denisova, Tamara Flys, Lev Iwashko, Liza Kalashnikova, Vladimir Koloskov, Jean Lee, Anthony Maistroianni, Vladimir Stadnik, Tamara Wahlin, Amber Zecker.

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