In 1993, the Golden Gates was created in St. Petersburg, Russia. Drawing upon students from the Author’s Aesthetic Music Secondary School, these children became the first members of the group, and they began performing at various cultural events, folk festivals and concerts throughout Russia and Europe. The group’s name is symbolic. Through the Traditional Russian songs we are open our hearts and souls, knowledge of our source as gold.

Since then, Golden Gates has appeared at cultural events, folk festivals and concerts in Russia as well as in Europe and North America, and is recognizes as one of the most talented, exceptional and traditional ambassadors of the Russian folk culture.

Moscow Nights is the versatile ensemble of world-recognized, prize-winning musicians from Russia, who have established themselves as one of the fastest rising folk groups in the United States. Led by Vitaliy Bezrodnov on Bayan Accordion, the group was initially formed under his direction in Kaluga, Russia in the late 1980’s where Mr. Bezrodnov attended Kaluga Music Conservatory.

Their current program incorporates obscure folk instruments such as percussion “Treshotki” and birch-bark whistles. Thus, Moscow Nights is able to present a unique program of a culture that had almost lost its original identity. The music offer audiences an entertaining glimpse into Old Russia through music, song, and dance, and helps bridge a three-quarter century of isolation between our countries.

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"Zolotoe Yablichko" is Youth Dance Ensemble that comes and tour as part of Golden Gates Cultural Youth Exchange Program

Artistic Motion School of Arts, founded in 2000, is firmly established as one of the top performing arts studios in the Triad. The studio boasts an internationally acclaimed faculty including alumni from Russia’s Moscow State University of Dramatic Art and The Bolshoi Ballet Academy, the Dominican Republic’s Acadamia de Ballet Santo Domingo, England’s Royal Academy of Music, The Republic of Georgia’s Music Academy, and the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts. Instructors are veterans of the stage and have danced professionally with the Bolshoi Ballet, the National Ballet of the Dominican Republic, the National Ballet of Armenia, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Maryland Ballet.

The education at Infinity Ballet creates an understanding of dance in a fun, nurturing and challenging environment. The lessons are developed with a gradual study that promotes all the disciplines of body awareness through creative movement and music appreciation.

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Infinity Ballet’s mission promotes a dance program in a healthy, creative and diverse atmosphere using a comprehensive teaching method and the professional performing experience of the director and artistic inspiration of the faculty. The Conservatory is developed to create a place of study for the fine art of classical dance and an extended education in contemporary movement and physical fitness. It is founded on the understanding that classical lessons are the essential base study for most styles of dance. The program’s emphasis is on proper training which gives the maximum possibilities to the student for success. Education in the performing arts increases awareness of the arts in the community and develops pride through the student’s goals and achievements.

Contact the Festival Coordinator to learn more!