Russian traditional dance and music ensemble Barynya led by Russian folk accordion garmoshka player and singer Mikhail Smirnov, Russian Gypsy singer Vasiliy Romani and Ukrainian Cossack dancer Serhiy Tsyganok provided 45 min performance of Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Russian Gypsy and Jewish dances, songs, and music on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at the Chesterfield Montessori School, 14000 Ladue Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Program of performance included Russian folk song with garmoshka "Subboteya" (Russian: Ñóááîòåÿ), Russian folk dance "Barynya", popular Russian song "Katyusha", Cossack dance, solo on Russian seven string guitar by Vasily "Vengerka" (Âåíãåðêà), Russian Gypsy Roma song "Kai Yone", Jewish Bottle dance, Russian song "My darling" (Æèâ¸ò ìîÿ îòðàäà â âûñîêîì òåðåìó), Ukrainian folk song and dance Pidmanoola, Russian Tongue-Twisters Medley (Ñêîðîãîâîðêè), Russian Alphabet Lesson, Russian folk dance lesson, Russian folk dance "Kalinka".
About Vasily Romani, singer, 7 string guitar player:
Russian Gypsy singer Vasiliy Romani was born in Ufa, Russia. He is a professional singer-vocalist who studied in famous Gnesin music school in Moscow, Russia. Vasiliy was named the best Roma (Gypsy) singer in the United States recently. Known expert in Russian Gypsy music Vasiliy hails from the Moscow Gypsy Theater Romen and is now based in New York City. He has toured extensively nationally and internationally and led his group NYC Gypsy Band in a concert at the Carnegie Hall. Vasily sings classical Gypsy songs and romances, he also has a big repertoire of Russian, Ukrainian, Italian and international popular songs. Vasiliy performs solo, with ensemble Barynya, his own band, Moscow Gypsy Army show, musicians, dancers, and other singers, dancers, and musicians.
Ukrainian dancer Sergey Tshnok was born in L'viv, Ukraine in 1982. He started dancing with kids' folk dance ensemble "Iskorka" under direction of his mother Liliya Yurievna Tsyganok. In 1996 he started dancing with teens' traditional Ukrainian dancer troupe "Karpaty" under direction of Honored Artist of Ukraine Mihailo Vanivsky. From 1997 through 2002 he stadied dancing and choreography at the L'viv State College of The Culture and Arts. Graduated in 2002. At the same time as he was a student at the L'viv State College of The Culture and Arts he was dancing with Jewish Dance Ensemble "MAZAL TOV" and Polish Dance Troupe "L'vovyatsy". With "MAZAL TOV" and "L'VOVYATSY" groups Serhiy performed locally in Ukraine, and internationally. In 2003 he graduated with Diploma of completion special training in Polish Traditional dancing from Lyublin's University of Maria Skladovsky in Poland. In 2003 Serhiy joined dance troupe to work 18 months contract with the show Sharm L Sheikh in Egypt. In 2006-2012 he was performing with various dance projects in Turkey, Israel and Dubai. In 2013 he started working as a dancer on cruise ships all over the world. In the summer 2014 Serhiy made his home in the United States of America. He started working with various Ukrainian groups, dance and music ensemble Barynya, Moscow Gypsy Army, Can-Can Cabaret Dance Show, and others. Serhiy speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, and English.
About Mikhail Smirnov, garmoshka and guitar player, vocalist:
Artistic director of Barynya ensemble Mikhail Smirnov was born in Moscow, Russia in 1966. Mikhail is the 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. 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.
“Highly entertaining”
Judy Christie, Asst. Principal @ Devereux Center in Red Hook, New York
“Mikhail was a great host, funny, friendly; Sergio great dancer and Guitarist had a beautiful voice.”
Shellie Setum, CE Coordinator @ Sunnyside Elementary in Shelton, Connecticut
“Overall feedback was good! The show started off slow but really picked up. Thank you”
Amy Baram, Programs @ Hillendale Elementary in Chadsford, Pennsylvania
“We have several Russian students in our school and a teacher. It was wonderful to see them connect with the performers. Excellent show! Enjoyed by all”
Anna Mette-Hansell, Teacher @ Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
“They were on time, easy to work with. An excellent exposure to Russian culture and language. Thank you.”
Carrie Lipshin, PTA @ Carroll Manor Elementary in Baldwin, Maryland
“The performers arrived early, were extremely professional and put on a fantastic show!”
Julie Whitehouse, PTA @ Hunt Valley Elementary in Springfield, Virginia
“The group was excellent. They did some interaction with the students. Music was great!”
Mary Kay Hennessy, Principal @ St. Norbert School in Paoli, Pennsylvania
“This group was great! The students were all engaged and really enjoyed the show. They arrived on time and were very professional.”
Liz Legere, PTO @ Cherry Brook Primary School in Canton, Connecticut
“Very engaging and flexible with time because of our buses.”
Michele Rowland, Asst. Principal @ Rodgers Forge Elementary in Baltimore, Maryland
“Very entertaining. A nice mix of traditional Russian music and dance with colorful costumes/traditional dress. The students learned some basic Russian vocabulary words too.”
Heather Jeanne, Principal @ Enadia Technology Charter School in West Hills, California
“Enjoyed the sharing of the Russian language.”
Eva Matthews, Principal @ Park View Elementary in Ripon, California
“We enjoyed the program.”
Nancy Whitson, Head of School @ St Patricks Day School in Thousand Oaks, California
“Our students enjoyed the rhythms and the energetic dancing. The performers were friendly and very talented.”
Mary Stadler, Counseling Director @ Stanbridge Academy in San Mateo, California
“Wonderful – Great interaction with the kids”
Leana Wright, PTO @ Willow Creek Elementary in Tomball, Texas
“We chose this program because we wanted to expose our students to the beautiful culture, music, dance, traditional costumes, language of Russia. The three performers did a wonderful job entertaining and engaging our students.”
Barbara LaCorte Principal @ Hope Elementary in Santa Barbara, California
“The children were very enthusiastic about the show. They got exposure to a different culture through songs, dance, instruments, costumes and the language of Russia. There was also audience involvement.”
Myron Cohen, Teacher @ P. S. 276 in Brooklyn, New York
“Very entertaining! We enjoyed the show!”
Todd Anderson, Headmaster @ Wayne Country Day School in Goldsboro, North Carolina
“Great program! Very enthusiastic and great for all ages.”
Ashley Wammack, ASB Director @ Jewell School in Seaside, Oregon
“Very entertaining. I would highly recommend.”
Dawn Roberts, Principal @ Southern Highlands Prep School in Las Vegas, Nevada
“Great assembly! Our school enjoyed the song, dance and introduction to language! Thanks for coming.”
Marilyn Dresser, Teacher @ Columbus Elementary in McMinnville, Oregon
“Present spoke quickly. One time presentation of Russian words would have been good to have repetition. Great show.”
Seth Ahiborn, Headmaster @ Henderson Intl. School in Henderson, Nevada
“Fantastic group. They were here early to set up. Great audience control and interation.”
Tracey Duncan, Teacher @ Coarsegold Elementary in Coarsegold, California