The idea of the Russian Cultural Center was born in May 2006 due to realization that Russians, as an ethnic group, were under-represented at the Festival of Nations.  Elena Kallevig, the General Chairperson of the Russian Group at the FON- 2006, and Elena Shurkina, the Russian Exhibit Chairperson, started actively recruiting volunteers and on June 14th, 2006, the organizational meeting of the RCC voted on the names for the Center – “Russian Soul” ("Русская Душа") and the ensemble “Beloszer’e” ("Белозерье") and elected the Board of Directors.

The first Board of Directors included Elena Kallevig – the General Director, Elena Shurkina - the Artistic Director, Helen Pregl – the Financial Director, Olga Ivkina – the Art Director, and Cassandra Gavin – the Secretary.

The RCC logo - a woman in a Russian folk dress that resembles a magical bird with wings - was created by Olga Ivkina and symbolized both the ever-present human yearning to fly and the feminine gentleness of the Russian soul.

The folk ensemble “Belozer’e” was a showcase and a magnet – 60 people of different nationalities performed at one time or another with the core group of dancers and singers. The name “ Belozer’e” – literally translated as the  “White Lake country”  -  had a deep meaning: Belozer’e. was a myth and a dream of many Russians for centuries – a country of the virtuous, where true faith shone, and good people were rewarded, and no evil dwelled. The RCC members honored that dream and thought of Minnesota, a country of 10 thousand lakes, as a new home for many members, where at least some of their dreams had come true.

The idea of the Russian Cultural Center in Minnesota immediately found supporters and volunteers – the “Belozer’e” grew from 8 to 12 members and was steadily gaining popularity performing at schools, colleges, nursing and senior citizens’ homes, museums, etc. The “Russian Soul” was reaching out to broader community, offering Russian language classes, presentations, a bilingual discussion club “Posidelki”, Russian folk dance lessons for kids, workshops on traditional arts and crafts, and participating in exhibitions and community events. 

One way or another “Russian Soul” reached out to more than one million and 300 thousand people over the years, actively participating in such major multicultural undertakings as Festival of Nations, Urban Expedition at Landmark center, Metrodome Diversity parade, Concordia Language Village Russian programs, “Art-A-Whirl, Dress to Impress” at Minneapolis Institute of Art, numerous International Festivals. 

“Belozer’e” found many fans, performing at variety of community events, including International Music series, Blaine’s WorldFest, Russian Winter Party, the opening of the MN Zoo “Russia’s Grizzly Coast” exhibit. The ensemble presented 18 original programs, ranging from re-creation of ancient peasant rituals to a special program for kids “Yolka” (Christmas Tree) reminiscent of the childhood in the USSR. The rare folk songs and specially choreographed dances, based on careful research, are unique and copyright of the RCC. The hand-made costumes are meticulous reproductions of the museum originals.

“Russian Soul” was special in many aspects. It supported the only truly folk Russian ensemble in Minnesota – none of “Belozer’e” members was  a professional singer or dancer. Many  members were participating in research of folk arts and crafts – finding the words and music of old songs, choreographing dances, carefully preserving the authentic folk steps, but offering unique dance designs, re-creating ethnically correct costumes from photographs and drawings. The “Russian Soul” goal was not just entertainment but education, as few people, including Russians themselves, are familiar with the rich heritage of the Russian folk culture. Finally, the ensemble was a healing and supporting group, as the therapeutic effects of movement, music, and creative expression are well known. 

“Russian Soul”   collaborated with many government & non-profit agencies and organizations, with bookings a year ahead.  It received 4 grants from the Minnesota Regional Art Council. The Holy Cross Lutheran Church at Minnehaha Parkway supported it by generously donating space for rehearsals and events. The Hennepin Government Center twice invited the RCC to exhibit its costume collection. 

It was a glorious journey, but everything comes to an end. In 2018 “Belozer’e” seized to exist and “Russian Soul” focused on assisting new immigrants, gradually distributing its assets to other Russian non-profits in Twin Cities, such as “Nasha Shkola” and St. Panteleimon Church. In 2023 new members joined the RCC and from now on a new Board of Directors will continue researching, preserving and sharing the rich Russian cultural heritage.

You can read this article in Russian by following the link / Здесь вы найдете эту статью на русском языке: CLICK HERE