Clearwater, FL. Russian dance and music show. Russian Winter Extravaganza event in Florida. Balalaika, garmoshka, folk dancers

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: msmirnov@yahoo.com / Phone: (201) 981-2497.

PHOTOS

"MOROZ" (garmoshka, Russian folk accordion introduction) Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel

Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel

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"Yablochko" (dance of Russian Sailors - Яблочко) Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"KAMARINSKAYA" (balalaika introduction) Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"DANILA COOPER", dance of Russian Nobility Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"TWO GUITARS", Russian Gypsy song and dance Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"MARDJANDJA", Russian Gypsy dance Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"THE MOON IS SHINING BRIGHTLY" - BALALAIKA CONTRABASS INTRODUCTION Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"BARYNYA" (Bariniya - Барыня), Russian folk dance Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"VAREN'KA" - COSSACK FOLK SONG AND DANCE Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"POPPUREE" - BALALAIKA WORLD MUSIC MEDLEY Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"OOROK RUSSKAVO TANTSA" - Урок русского танца - Russian folk dance lesson and workshop Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"QUADRILLE", Russian character dance Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"ORKESTR RUSSKIKH NARODNYKH INSRUMENTOV" - Russian Percussion Orchestra Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"KAK ZASTAVIL MENYA MUZH" (My Husband Asked Me To) - Balalaika Solo Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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"KALINKA" - (Guilder Rose Tree - Калинка), Russian folk dance Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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Barynya, Russian dancers, music, songs, garmoshka, balalaika, balalaika, contrabass balalaika, Clearwater, Florida, Russian Winter Extravaganza, The Fort Harrison Hotel
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Green Cove Springs Branch Clay County Library, Green Cove Springs, Florida, December 12, 2019

On Thursday, December 12th, 2019 two members of Russian song, dance, and music ensemble Barynya provided one hour performance at the Green Cove Springs Branch of Clay County Library system. Exact address: 403 Ferris St, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Program started at 6:30pm. Artistic director, singer, garmoshka, and guitar player Mikhail Smirnov announced every number of the show in English. The performance was titled "From Russia With Love - Songs, Music, and Dances Of Old Russia" and included Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Russian Jewish, and Russian Roma Gypsy songs, music, and dances. All instrumental numbers were performed on the traditional Russian instruments balalaika and garmoshka. Music selections included Russian folk song and dance "The Snowstorm" (Вдоль по улице метелица метёт), "Kalinka" (Калинка-малинка моя), "Long Road" (Дорогой длинною), "Two Guitars", "Meadowlands", Andreev's Waltz "Daydreams", Russian folk song and dance "Kamarinskaya" (Камаринская), "Somewhere My Love" from "Dr. Zhivago" movie (Тема Лары из фильма Доктор Живаго), "The Moon Is Shining Brightly" (Светит месяц), "The Peddlers" (Коробейники), "Ural Mountains Dance", "Angry Husband", Russian Jewish Wedding Dance (Еврейский свадебный танец со свечкой), "Dark Eyes" (Очи чёрные), "Gypsy Roma Medley", Shostakovich's Waltz #2, "Valenki" (Felt Boots), Ukrainian folk song and dance "You Tricked Me" (Пiдманула), Russian Tongue Twister song «Шёл я яром, шёл я низом», "Sabre Dance" from "Gayane" by Aram Khachaturian (Танец с саблями Хачатуряна), "Csardas" by Vittorio Monti (Чардаш Монти), ВАЛЬС ДЮРАН (solo by balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina), Russian folk dance Barynya (Барыня), Russian table song "Maroz" (Ой, мороз, мороз), and other selections. After the show Mikhail and Elina took some photos with kids and adults who attended the program.

Elina Karokhina, Green Cove Springs Branch, Clay County Library, Green Cove Springs, Florida, Thursday, December 12th, 2019, 403 Ferris St, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

All photos from the Green Cove Springs Branch in Green Cove Springs, FL

Balalaika Duo performance at the public library in Punta Gorda, Florida

Two members of Barynya ensemble performed one hour show at the Punta Gorda Library, 401 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Performers: Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, vocals, guitar), Elina Karokhina (balalaika, dancer, vocals). The program took place on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at 1pm.