Russian dance, song and music ensemble Barynya provided one hour show during Russian Winter Extravaganza event at the Grand Ballroom of the historic Harrison Ford Hotel on Saturday, November 14th, 2015 at the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Florida. The Fort Harrison Hotel is located at 210 South Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. Cast: Danila, Anya, Elina, Mikhail, Boulat, Valentina. Barynya presented a mix of Russian, Gypsy Roma, Ukrainian, Cossack songs and dances, balalaika, contrabass-balalaika, garmoshka and guitar music, songs, Russian percusion Orhestra gme with kids, and short Russian dance workshop.
PROGRAM OF PERFORMANCE:
Artistic director/founder Mikhail Smirnov played the garmoshka, a Russian-style diatonic button accordion and guitar. In between singing songs, and dancing traditional numbers to the music, Mikhail Smirnov and dancers shared a little bit of the Russian language. Mikhail (Misha) taught students words and phrases such as "Yes" (DA), "No" (NYET), "Thank You" (SPASEEBA), "Hello" (ZDRAVSTVUITE), "You're Welcome" (PAZHALUYSTA) and "Bye" (PAKA) as well as the alphabet and counting. He said each word in English and then slowly in Russian, allowing eveyone in the audience a moment to try the words themselves after each one. After the segment on words, the audience attempted to chatter in Russian for a couple minutes, smiling and laughing about how they sounded.
Almost in the middle of the performance, Mikhail paused to share a couple of Russian tongue twisters, explaining each one in English first, and then saying them in Russian at top speed. With each one, the twisters got more complicated and lengthy. There was even a chance for a handful of students to get up on stage and try out a couple of Russian percussion instruments.
List of numbers performed:
01. "MOROZ" (garmoshka Russian folk accordion introduction)
02. "Yablochko" (dance of Russian Sailors - Яблочко)
03. "KAMARINSKAYA" (balalaika introduction)
04. "DANILA COOPER", dance of Russian Nobility
05. "TWO GUITARS", Russian Gypsy song and dance
06. "MARDJANDJA", Russian Gypsy dance
07. "THE MOON IS SHINING BRIGHTLY" - BALALAIKA CONTRABASS INTRODUCTION
08. "METELITSA" (The Snowstorm - Вдоль по улице метелица метёт)
09. "BARYNYA" (Bariniya - Барыня), Russian folk dance
10. "SKOROGOVORKEE" (Tongue Twisters - Скороговорки)
11. "VAREN'KA" - COSSACK FOLK SONG AND DANCE
12. "POPPUREE" - BALALAIKA WORLD MUSIC MEDLEY
13. "KOROBEYNEEKEE" (The Peddlers - Коробейники), Russian folk song
14. "OOROK RUSSKAVO TANTSA" - Урок русского танца - Russian folk dance lesson and workshop
15. "QUADRILLE", Russian character dance
16. "ORKESTR RUSSKIKH NARODNYKH INSRUMENTOV" - Russian Percussion Orchestra
17. KAK ZASTAVIL MENYA MUZH (My Husband Asked Me To) - Balalaika Solo
18. "KALINKA" - (Guilder Rose Tree - Калинка), Russian folk dance
19. GRAND ENTRANCE of DEDUSHKA MOROZ and SNEGUROCHKA
20. "KHOROVOD" - Russian Round Winter Dance
About Mikhail Smirnov, garmoshka and guitar player, singer:
Mikhail Smirnov was born in Moscow, Russia. He has been in the business of Russian folk dance and music for more than 25 years. Mikhail is an artistic director and founder of ensemble Barynya based in New York City, author of many articles about traditional Russian dance, music and instruments in English and Russian. Mikhail received his Master's degree from the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts. As a child, he was a member of the famous "Moscow Boys Chorus" - one of the most prestigious all-male choirs in Russia. Before coming to the United States in 1991, Mikhail was a soloist in a several Russian folk dance and music groups including the Moscow State Center for Russian song, "Russkaya Pesnya", under the direction of Nadezhda Babkina, ensemble "Moskoviya" under the direction of Valeriy Kuz'mich Nesterov. In January 2009 Mikhail Smirnov and dancers of ensemble Barynya were featured on national TV, NBC's "SUPERSTARS OF DANCE" - breathtaking international dance competition led by executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller (American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance). This prestigious dance competition hosted by Michael Flatley ("Lord of the Dance") and Susie Castillo, a former Miss USA. Mikhail Smirnov was one of eight judges to decide which country will win. The show premiered on NBC network.
About ELINA KAROKHINA, balalaika virtuoso, musical director:
Balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. She began her formal training at the Mussorgsky Music College of St. Petersburg and continued her training at N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, earning a degree as an Orchestra Soloist. She continued her training at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory, which included a brief residency in Germany. After, she returned to her native St. Petersburg and completed her education, earning a Doctor of Musical Art degree in the Balalaika. Following her graduation, she began working as a musician, both as a teacher and as a performer, teaching balalaika. Elina Karokhina served in the Russian Army in the Military Ensemble in the Northwest Order of Red Stars. As a balalaika soloist Elina has toured all over the world. When she moved to the United States in 2009 she was hired as a musicial director and soloist with the biggest professional Russian music, song and dance ensemble "Barynya".
About Ensemble "Barynya":
The Russian music, dance and song ensemble Barynya (Russian: Барыня), established in the year 1991, is a world renowned group that enjoys exalting stature as the premier Russian folk ensemble. Barynya presents Russian, Cossack, Siberian, Nanai, Ukrainian, Roma Gypsy Tsyganskiy, Evreiskiy Jewish traditional dancing, music, songs, and virtuoso performances on instruments including the balalaika, balalaika-contrabass, garmoshka (Russian folk button accordion). Barynya has been invited to perform at some of the most prestigious cultural venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Smithsonian Institute of America in Washington D.C., the United Nations in New York, and the Russian Embassy in Washington D.C.
Barynya is globally recognized and boasts an impressive client roster of dignitaries, politicians, celebrities and organizations from around the world. The group performed at the black-tie Gala after the Liberty Medal was presented to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev by President George H.W. Bush in 2008. The prestigious event was attended by over one thousand dignified guests including the likes of Tom Brokaw, Dikembe Mutumbo and Van Cliburn.
Latest major concert tours: Puerto Rico (2015), United States (2014, 2013, 2012), Australia (2011), Hong Kong (2010), Canada, Mexico (2009), United States (2008).
Barynya also performs annually at the Russian Nobility Ball for the Russian Nobility Association in New York. Members of the ensemble have been invited to perform at many film premier and celebrity parties, including the official post-Grammy Award parties in New York and for private events hosted by Barbara Walters, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Tommy Hilfiger.
Most recently, Mikhail Smirnov, the founder and Artistic Director of Barynya, was invited as one of the eight judges on NBC’s hit dance show, "Superstars of Dance".
Ensemble Barynya is available for hire for performing art centers, festivals, colleges, school assemblies, libraries, concert halls, restaurants, private and corporate events.
Birthday party celebration took place on December 31, 2025 in Weston, Florida. MC Mikhail provided bilingual entertainment in English and Russian, DJ Elina mixed most popular Russian and international hits. There were Jewish, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Russian segments to the show as well as special guests: Ded Moroz with Snegurochka, and Verka Serduchka (tribute).
10-17-2025, Balalaika Orchestra, Slavic Soiree in Coconut Creek, Florida
On Friday, October 17th, 2025 from 7pm to 12 midnight Balalaika Orchestra performed at Paideia Classical Academy (2370 Hammock Blvd) in Coconut Creek, Florida during Slavic Soiree Fundraiser to build the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in South Florida.
Thursday, March 3, 2022. Show in Naples, Florida at the Club at Mediterra, 15755, Corso Mediterra Circle, Naples, Florida 34110. 90 min program with dancers, singers, and musicians. Выступление в Нейплс, престижном гольф клубе волшебного рая для миллионеров в округе Кольер, штат Флорида. Публика на концерте была соответствующая.
11-22-2020, St. Luke’s the Blessed Surgeon Russian Orthodox Church, Pompano Beach, FL
Elina Karokhina (balalaika) and Alisa (dancer) provided one hour performance during an event Pelmeni Luncheon Celebration at St. Luke’s the Blessed Surgeon Russian Orthodox Church in Pompano Beach, Florida on November 22nd, 2020.
On Sunday, January 6th, 2019 members of Russian music, song and dance ensemble Barynya - Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, and dancer Alisa provided one hour program of traditional Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Gypsy Roma, Jewish songs, music and dancing with garmoshka, balalaika and guitar at the Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace. Exact address of the venue: Pacifica Senior Living, 5500 NW 69th Street, Lauderhill, Florida 33319.
DJ Alisa, MC Mikhail and balalaika virtuoso Elina provided music and entertainment for wedding at the Bonaventure Resort Spa, 250 Raquet Club Rd, Weston, Florida 33326 on Friday, January 4th, 2019.
09-02-2018, Hollywood Eden Regal Ballroom & Catering, Hollywood, Florida
DJ Alisa and MC Mikhail provided music and entertainment for wedding at the Temple Sinai of Hollywood Eden Regal Ballroom & Catering on September 2nd, 2018.
01-21-2018, Kings Point Theatre, Delray Beach, Florida
90 min performance at Kings Point Theatre, 7000 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33446. Cast of performers: Nikolai Massenkoff (singer), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Andrei Cheine (bayan), Valentina Kvasova (dancer, vocals), Dinara Subaeva (dancer), Konstantin Tulinov (dancer), Vladimir Nikitin (dancer).
01-21-2018, Kings Point Theater Tamarac Club HS, Tamarac, Florida
Sunday, January 21, 2018, 2pm, Kings Point Theater Tamarac Club HS, 7620 Nob Hill Road, Tamarac, Florida 33321. The program included "Kalinka", "The Moon is Shining", "Russkoye Polye", "The Peddlers", "The Snowstorm", Tatar Jigit male dance, "Katiyusha", Tatar dance from Kazan', Kamarinskaiya, and other selections.
01-19-2018, Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo, Florida
Friday, January 19th, 2018, 8pm. Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771. 90 min program of Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Russian Gypsy Roma, Russian Jewsh songs, music and dancing.
01-18-2018, Alfonso Levy Performing Arts Center, Lake City, Florida
Thursday, January 18th, 2018, 7:30pm at the Alfonso Levy Performing Arts Center of the Florida Gateway College, Lake City, Florida, 149 SE College Place, Lake City, Florida 32025.
02-11-2017, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Russian Balalaika Duo (Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov) at the Fort Lauderdale Grand Russian Ball 2017 at the Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312.
On Wednesday, November 16th, 2016 ensemble Barynya performed at the Stetson University, 547 Bert Fish Dr, DeLand, FL 32724. Dancers Nikolai and Veronika, musicians Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina provided 60 min performance.
06-16-2016, Lakes Regional Library, Riverdale Branch Library, Fort Myers, Florida
Concert of traditional Russian music, songs and dances for kids and adults in Fort Myers, Florida on Thursday, June 16th, 2016. First performance started at 10am at the Lakes Regional Library, 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Second concert started at 3pm at the Riverdale Branch Library, 2421 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905.
06-15-2016, Pine Island Public Library, Bokeelia, Florida
Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso, dancer, vocals, costumed characters) and Mikhail Smirnov (singer, garmoshka, guitar, costumed characters) performed one hour concert of Russian traditional music, songs and dances for kids and adults in Bokeelia, Florida on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Performance started at 3PM at the Pine Island Public Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922.
06-15-2016, Fort Myers Public Library, North Fort Myers, Florida
Russian dance and music balalaika duo consisted of Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso, dancer, vocals, costumed characters) and Mikhail Smirnov (singer, garmoshka, guitar, costumed characters) performed one hour concert of Russian traditional music, songs and dances for kids and adults in North Fort Myers, Florida on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Performance started at 10:30AM at the Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.
06-14-2016, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library, Venice, Florida
One hour concert of Russian traditional music, songs and dances for kids and adults in Venice, Florida on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Performance started at 5:30PM at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293.
06-14-2016, Cape Coral Lee County Public Library, Cape Coral, FL
One hour concert for kids and adults in Cape Coral, Florida on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. The performance started at 2PM at the Cape Coral Lee County Public Library. Exact address: 921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914.
06-14-2016, East County Regional Library, Lehigh Acres, Florida
Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika) performed one hour concert of traditional music, songs and dances for kids and adults in Lehigh Acres, Florida on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. The performance started at 11AM at the Meeting Room on the first floor at the East County Regional Library, 881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971.
Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika) performed one hour concert of traditional music, songs and dances for kids and adults at the Northwest Regional Library (519 Chiquita Blvd. N. Cape Coral, FL 33993) on Monday, June 13, 2016.
06-13-2016, South County Regional Library, Estero, Florida
Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika) performed one hour concert of traditional music, songs and dances for kids and adults in Estero, Florida on Monday, June 13, 2016. The performance started at 6:15pm at the meeting room area on the first floor at the South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, Estero, FL 33928.
06-04-2016. Fort Harrison Hotel, Clearwater, Florida
A program of traditional Gypsy (Romani) songs, instrumental numbers and dances in Clearwater, Florida. Performance took place on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 from 7:30-9pm at the World Headquarters of the Church of Scientology in Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 S Ft Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756.
04-23-2016, Orlando Public Library, Orlando, Florida
Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina performed 60 min concert of traditional dances, songs and music in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016. This free to public performance started at 3pm at the 1st floor stage area in Orlando Public Library located at 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801.
02-29-2016, South Mainland Library, Micco, Florida
Barynya Balalaika Duo performed 1 hour concert of Russian traditional dances, songs and music on balalaika, garmoshka and guitar in Florida. The SOLD OUR performance took place on Monday, February 29th, 2016 (2pm) at the South Mainland Library, 7921 Ron Beatty Blvd, Micco, FL 32976.
Ded Moroz, Snegurochka, live music, DJ, dance show provided for corporate event in Miami, Florida. More then 100 people attended party at Siberian Floors Miami office located at 6191 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138.
11-14-2015, Harrison Ford Hotel, Clearwater, Florida
Russian Winter Extravaganza event at the Grand Ballroom of the historic Harrison Ford Hotel on Saturday, November 14th, 2015 at the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Florida. The Fort Harrison Hotel is located at 210 South Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756. Cast: Danila Shersobitov, Anya Brovkina, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Boulat Moukhametov, Valentina Kvasova.
08-22-2015, Russian Extravaganza in Clearwater, Florida, August 22nd, 2015
1 hour show at The Crystal Ballroom of the Harrison Hotel on Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 at the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Florida. Exact address: The Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 South Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756.
06-06-2015, Beach House Memories, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Russian speaking Wedding Minister, DJ and Tamada Mikhail performed a wedding ceremony, provided music and entertainment in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The wedding ceremony took place on the beach in front of Beach House Memories.
10-26-2014, Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bilingual Russian-English speaking Wedding Master of Ceremonies (MC), DJ, and tamada Mikhail provided entertainment in both Russian and English languages for mixed Russian-American couple during wedding reception on October 26, 2014 at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
12-17-2013, Jewish Heritage Club, Delray Beach, Florida
Russian singers and musicians provided mix of Russian, Jewish, Gypsy, Ukrainian, and Cossack traditional songs and dances during social event on December 17th, 2013 at the Jewish Heritage Club. The concert and party was orginized by Valencia Falls HOA, Inc. Exact address of the venue: 13375 Valencia Grand Blvd, Delray Beach, Florida. Cast of performers: Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, dancers: Gosha Ifeemoff and Alisa Egorova.
Russian singers and musicians provided mix of Russian, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Cossack traditional and popular Russian and Soviet music and songs for private event in Miami, Florida. Party took place on November 14, 2013 from 7pm to 12 midnight at the Siberian Floors, 6191 Biscayne Blvd, Miami Florida 33137. Cast of performers: Mikhail Smirnov, Valentina Kvasova, Elina Karokhina, Alexander Menshikov, and dancer Andrei.
07-13-2013, Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota, Florida
Four members of Russian dance, song and music ensemble Barynya performed in Sarasota, Florida during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America conference in July 2013. Balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina led the Barynya balalaika trio for a performance during BDAA concert at the Sarasota Opera House.
05-13-2013, Wedding reception, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 3pm ceremony, 5-10PM reception. Wedding officiant, DJ, MC-tamada Mikhail Smirnov, Draper Lake West Pool, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
05-09-2013, Tapestry Park Community House, Panama City Beach, Florida
Bilingual Russian-English speaking Wedding Officiant, Master of Ceremonies (MC), DJ, and tamada Mikhail provided entertainment in Russian and English for mixed Russian-American couple during wedding reception at the Tapestry Park Community House in Panama City Beach, Florida on May 9th, 2013.
Corporate party at the office of Siberian Floors Florida, 100 Plaza Real South, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Cast: Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), singer Alexander Menshikov, dancers Andrei Ivanov and Anna Brovkina.
Concert of Cossack, Russian, Ukrainian, Siberian, Gypsy, and Jewish folk dances, songs, and music at the Miami Dade College (Kendall Campus) in Miami, Florida took place on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Cast of performers included dancer/singer Valentina Kvasova, Alexey Maltsev (dancer), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika).
03-29-2009, International Folk Fair Festival, St. Petersburg, Florida
Russian dance and music ensemble "Barynya" performance in St.Petersburg, Florida during the International Folk Fair Festival-2009. Performers: Alexander Menshikov (singer), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, vocals, balalaika), Valentina Kvasova (dancer, vocals), Alexey Maltsev (dancer).
