Community

Kudrinka Kids to Cincinnati

One of the rewards of Moscow living is the occasional encounter with the hard working souls who maintain and develop the cultural and artistic base of Russia with nary a thought to the mad race for wealth and power around. I have been fortunate for a number of years to become acquainted with the seventy-some dancers, from just 6 years old to almost my age, that comprise Kudrinka, the youth and adult folk and modern dance ensemble that gather several times a week at Moscow’s MosMetroStroi Palace of Culture (www.kudrinka.ru). Kudrinka celebrated the 30-year anniversary of its founding at MosMetroStroi in 2005. The group is lead by Irina and Alexey Salnikov. My wife, Marina Borden, is teacher and choreographer with Kudrinka and has worked with the ensemble for over 20 years.

This year, teen dancers from the Kudrinka Dance Ensemble have been invited to participate in the national Cathy Row Ultimate Dance Competition and Convention in Mason, Ohio from July 5-8, 2007. I am grateful that John Ortega has agreed that Passport Magazine be media sponsor for this event and that so far we have received offers of support for this trip from executives of Lensmaster as well as several Cincinnati residents.

This competition is an annual event of Santa Fe based Cathy Roe Productions. It begins with regional competitions for young dancers from age 5 and up throughout the United States. Competition categories include Jazz, Tap, Ethnic, Modern, Character, Lyrical and others. The invitation to Kudrinka from the Cathy Roe organization stated, “We consider this to be an incredible opportunity for these young professionals. They will have the chance to compete with and meet other dancers from the United States, participate in our Master Dance Classes taught by our experienced staff of dance professionals, gain international exposure, and become more familiar with the cultural aspects of our country. Cathy Roe’s Ultimate Dance would be thrilled and honored to showcase these talented dancers.“

In addition to participation in the Cathy Roe Ultimate Dance Competition, the Kudrinka dancers also plan to schedule other community and school performances in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. They will travel to Ohio about July 2 and return to Moscow on July 10. The eight dancers will be accompanied by teachers and group leaders Marina Borden and Irina and Alexey Salnikov. The budget for the trip including air fare, housing, meals, visas, van rental, entry fees, sponsor promotional materials is approximately $25,000. A number of promotions are planned before, during and after the trip. We are seeking sponsors from media, dance and other clothing brands, soft drinks, airline companies, and private individuals. Sponsors will be featured prominently in trip promotional materials and a short documentary. Passport Magazine will provide further coverage about the adventures of these teens during this visit.