Dance from Russia & Surrounding Regions

The New Archangel Dancers are a group of about 35 women who live, work and raise their families in Sitka. Troupe members represent a variety of professions including artists, biologists, business managers, domestic engineers, pharmacists, physical therapist, social worker and teachers. They perform with sincerity and enthusiasm rarely seen in a volunteer group. Training and practice is an integral part of the group and these dedicated performers practice throughout the year, often attending dance workshops over the winter. New members are accepted into the group at annual auditions and experienced dancers are responsible, along with the dance director, to prepare and train new members. Most troupe members are employed and have families, so are juggling work, family and other forms of recreation to practice and perform.

The fee for performances provides the group a practice facility, sound systems, music, dance instructors, costumes and advertising. Fees allow dance program needs to be met and provides support to local performing arts programs through in-kind donations, financial contributions and scholarships for high school students.