Since 2002, the Kalinka Dance Ensemble has been a leading presenter of traditional Russian and Eastern European folk dance in the Washington-Baltimore area. This year, they’ll celebrate their 20th anniversary with a gala performance at the Carroll Arts Center on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30pm. United by a passion for Russian and Eastern European dance as a form of traditional art, the group carries a mission of preserving and disseminating these folk dance traditions in the United States.
Collaborating with the D.C.-based Carpathia Dance Ensemble and the Russian string duo, MusAlliance, this festive and colorful anniversary show will highlight and contrast the folk dance traditions of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Greece, Finland, and other cultures of Europe and Asia. Their vibrant dancing is completed with live folk music, traditional singing, historic costuming, and ethnic storytelling.
The Kalinka dancers, aging from 6 to 50, represent over 20 different ethnicities and nationalities, including Germany, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Latvia, and more. The ensemble’s founder and director, Katya Denisova, was born in St. Petersburg, where she was a traditional dancer for 16 years. Over the years, the Kalinka ensemble has performed at a variety of venues and events, including the Russian Embassy in Washington DC, the Lyric Opera House, the Russian Noble Society Ball, Northern Virginia Community College, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts, the Kennedy Center, the Hillwood Estate and Museum, and the Russian Festival in Baltimore. More information can be found online at kalinkabaltimore.org.
With their roots in Russian culture, the ensemble was compelled to release a statement affirming their opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “We believe that culture transcends politics and outlives political trends and regimes,” saya founder Katya Denisova, “During this time of terrible tragedy in Ukraine, we initiate and actively participate in humanitarian performing arts projects to support the Ukrainian people. We believe in the mission of the arts to uplift and unite people around the world, preserve cultural identities, and promote peace.”
Attendees must comply with the Carroll Arts Center’s audience health and safety policies. This currently includes patrons properly wearing a face mask at all times inside the building. These policies are subject to change in the future. Read the Carroll Arts Center’s most current health and safety protocols at CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org/covid-19-policies.
Sponsored by John Glenn and Blair Reid. Tickets are $16 Adults / $14 ages 25 & Under, and ages 60 & Up. CCAC Members get an additional 10% off. Tickets can be purchased online at CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org or by calling the box office at 410-848-7272. The Carroll Arts Center is located at 91 West Main Street in Downtown Westminster.
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