Russian Mosaic Festival September 9, 2007

mikhail.zorich

PHILADELPHIA--July 15, 2008---Philadelphia’s Russian-speaking community will celebrate its most accomplished local talent in its Sixth annual “Russian Mosaic” festival at the Penn's Landing Great Plaza on Sunday, September 7. The plaza will be converted into a “City of Masters” with exceptional Russian-heritage craftsmen making and selling their artwork. Simultaneously, on Penn’s Landing main stage the community’s best professional performers and local children will sing and dance in both traditional and modern art forms to delight audiences of all ages.
Ilya and Amanda Resin, dance champions and well-known figures in Philadelphia dance, will present their award-winning show in competitive ballroom dance. Several student couples under the Resins’ tutelage will captivate viewers with beautifully choreographed dance selections from Russia and around the world.
“Dance is one of the most popular activities for young Russian-speaking kids and teens, more-so than even martial arts,” said Ilya. “The crowds at the festival will see that our dancers are really fantastic athletes.”. One of his junior couples has won national competitions and represents Philadelphia internationally.. Amanda Resin is the dance studio owner at Philadelphia Sports Academy.
Master wood-craftsman Anatoly Tochonyy will demonstrate the art of “Marketra” mosaic layout, an ancient decorative art form inherited from Arab culture. “People always ask me if the mosaic is painted on, when in reality it is made up of carefully selected wood pieces,” said Tochonyy. He will be selling his unique wooden collector's items as well as paintings in both watercolor and oils. Tochonyy learned Marketra while serving in the Russian military 30 years ago.

Tatiana Volkova will bring children from 3 to 12 in age to present traditional Russian dances and songs “Performing at Penn's Landing is always very motivating for the kids, because it is not just a regular dance recital for them -- they will be seen by a large audience,” said Volkova., who owns “Land of Children” daycare center in Northeast Philly.

The festival is free and will offer samples of traditional Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Moldavian and Middle Asian fare and drinks, an awards ceremony, and a raffle drawing. For complete information and artist updates visit www.russianmosaic.org