The Russian dancers are an ensemble of a young group of enthusiasts who enjoy traditional and contemporary style of Russian dancing. Most of the performers have no formal training in any of the main stream dance techniques, thus making them true representatives of the folk dancers.

The ensemble consists of people from diverse backgrounds and interests, drawn together by common love of Russian folk dance. Some members were born overseas and some are Australian born of Russian heritage.

The repertoire of the ensemble consists of some traditional dances like “Horovod” –(5:30), which is slow, lyrical, danced by the girls in long, beautiful costumes to a traditional music or full contrast with “Horovod”. It is fast, fiery “Cossack” (4:50) dance, where men in their military uniform showing off their dance skills, only to be challenged by grace and beauty of the girls with their intricate spins, turns and beats, full of energy and vitality.

In the contemporary section we have a dance called “Valenki”(3:20). It is danced to modern rendition, with a “techno beat” of a traditional tune. Choreographed with a combination of modern and traditional steps resulting in unique and enjoyable performance.

Troika (1:35) is a dance that depicts a traditional Russian winter transport – three horses pulling a sled, with a coachman at the reins. Fast moving dance.

Boyarskii (2:25) dance is in the best traditions of adaptation of traditional folk theme for a stage presentation. It is lovely and colourful, containing most elements of the Russian folk dance performed by two couples.

Goosachock (2:20) is a comical fun dance. It shows the youngsters imitating geese in the fields. It is fast moving with some singing.

The Sailor Suite (11:15) consists of three parts. First one shows the life on the ship – like what is happening on the deck, in the engine room etc., .Second part is shore leave – is where sailors showing off their dance skills. The third is farewell – march back to the ship.

At the camp fire (8:00) shows during second world war Russian soldiers sitting around camp fire in the forest, joking, singing and dancing. Was choreographed especially to commemorate the 65 th anniversary of the end of the Great Patriotic War. (WW2)

Moldavian Dance (2:40) fast, fiery. In the best traditions of Moldavian folkdance.