Over 130 years ago Sitka was owned by Russia and was known as New Archangel, Capital of Russian America. Taking their name from history, the New Archangel Dancers organized in 1969 to preserve a part of Sitka's Russian History through the art of dance. The original troupe formed with eight dancers and put on four performances their first season for visitors to Sitka. The initial four dances performed by the group came from a variety of sources including a children's book of Russian songs and dances and Bishop Theodosius, who was stationed at the Russian Orthodox Church in Sitka at that time.

The New Archangel Dancers continually promote Alaska as a visitor destination by sharing their knowledge of Sitka's Russian History and their pride in Alaska. None of the New Archangel Dancers are professional dancers nor do they have Russian lineage.

The Dancers' success and notoriety have been enhanced by regular guest performances at the opening of new Alaska Airlines terminals, at Alaska Governors' inaugural celebrations, and at various dance festivals, tourism trade shows, conferences and public events. In addition to performing throughout the "lower 48" the dancers have performed to enthusiastic audiences in Hawaii, Japan, Russia, Mexico and the Caribbean.