On June 14th, the children’s dance ensemble “Matreshki D.C.”, under the patronage of the St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral (ROCOR), performed a new concert program in the Washington metropolitan area. The concert featured traditional Russian folk dances: “Moscow Kadrille” (Square Dance),  “Kamarinskaya,” “Sudarushka” (Dance with shawls), “Volga Dance”, as well as the famous sailor’s dance “Yablochko,” the Don Cossack dance “Kak u Nashego Soseda,” (The Neighbours dance) the lively “Tsygannochka,” (Gypcy dance) and a national Nenets folk dance.

The audience warmly welcomed the “Matreshki D.C.” guests: the “Zabava” children’s folklore studio and the folk group “Kanareyka.” (Canary).

This year marks the 13th anniversary of the “Matreshki D.C.” ensemble. Larisa Strutsenko founded the group, with Tatiana Popova serving as its artistic director and choreographer.

It’s noteworthy that the parents of these young performers are deeply involved in the ensemble’s work. They sew national costumes, assist with choreographing new dances, and even perform on stage themselves. Essentially, the ensemble is a large, close-knit family.

The “Matreshki D.C.” traditionally perform at parish “Russian Bazaars” in the U.S. capital, as well as at Russian festivals in New York and South Carolina. We wish the young artists many more tours and new great success!