"From Russia With Love": An Evening to Benefit the Albany-Tula Alliance

ALBANY, NY (01/27/2010)(readMedia)-- Russian folk dancing comes alive at the Opalka Art Gallery in Albany on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. sponsored by the Albany Tula Alliance. Music and Russian folk dancing performed by the Russian Dance Ensemble "Varen'ka" highlights this evening to benefit the Albany Tula Alliance, the Albany-based not-for-profit Sister City program, which in 1991 forged a cooperative venture with Tula, Russia to share cultural, educational, governmental, business, medical and health related exchanges.

Proceeds from this evening of dance and music will benefit two Albany-area students and two Russian students from Tula, winners of the Albany-Tula Alliance essay contest which best identifies and discusses an issue Presidents Medvedev and Obama could work on jointly to improve the lives of both Russians and Americans. The two Capital Region students will have the opportunity to live in Tula, Russia for two weeks and two students from Tula will live in the Albany area for a similar period of time. This exciting opportunity for young people to serve as goodwill ambassadors between nations is the kind of positive exchange we hope to achieve on a global scale.

The extraordinary performance of "Varen'ka" is directed by Sergey Kuznetsov. The dances are performed by eight young female dancers in beautifully detailed, elaborate costumes with bright colors and patterns. The Varen'ka ensemble will also perform at the Russian Winter Festival 2010 in Albany.

Sergey Kutnetsov is a professional choreographer and ballet artist of the Tula Regional Philharmonic Theatre. His "Varen'ka" ensemble entertains audiences with countless choreographic compositions embodying the culture and spirit of Russia. The dance program is a spectacle that people of all ages will enjoy.

Event information

In an effort to expand public awareness of Russian culture, the Albany Tula Alliance is pleased to present "From Russia With Love" showcasing traditional Russian folk dancing, which begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Opalka Gallery of The Sage Colleges located at 140 New Scotland Avenue Albany, New York 12208 Please contact Mary Austin Williams at (518) 439-2627 or at mja910@yahoo.com to reserve tickets. People interested in attending are also encouraged to contact Charlotte Buchanan at 434-3518 since seating is limited.