Kick Up Your Heels With The Red Star Ensemble

The Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble returns to Spokane to appear at the Opera House on Sunday. The group last performed here in 1992, when they made their North American debut.

The Red Star Ensemble consists of over 60 singers, dancers and musicians from Russia who don uniforms and various Russian ethnic costumes to perform traditional songs and dances of that country.

Founded in 1977 from the USSR Strategic Missile Forces in order to celebrate folk culture, the ensemble began touring Russia and Europe in 1989. The troupe has been under the artistic directorship of Col. Anatoly Bazhalkin since then.

Folk music enthusiasts are probably already aware of the powerful chorus tradition in Russia as well as the athletic feats of their dancers. Connoisseurs and neophytes alike will have the rare opportunity locally to see the real thing.

Introducing the concert will be Gen. Gyorgy Shonin, one of the original six cosmonauts. He orbited Earth for five days in 1969. Returning a changed man, Shonin said, “From space, national and state lines are invisible and the smallness of Earth in relation to all of space becomes obvious.”

The Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble will perform Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, available through G&B outlets (325-SEAT), are $22.50 or $27.50. Students receive a $5 discount.