Ostrovok Theatre invites you to a family-friendly and fun spring performance! The fairy tale “Ludwig + Tuttа,” based on the story by Swedish author Jan Ekholm, is a truly family-friendly show! Kind, educational, cheerful, and musical, with plenty of songs and dances, it will be enjoyed by both children and adults. I’m thrilled to sponsor the
A Fun Spring Performance in Russian (Victoria, BC)! Read More »
Galina Sanaeva: Marika, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Let’s start with something simple. How old are you, and when was your last visit to Russia? Marika: I’m almost twelve now. I went to Russia over the summer, spending two months there. Galina Sanaeva: Wonderful! Where exactly did you go? Marika: I stayed in
Marika’s Russian Trip: Reflections on Russia and Cultural Discoveries Read More »
In Russian folklore, the Snow Maiden, or Snegurochka | Снегурочка, is a beloved character who symbolizes the magic of winter. Often shown as the granddaughter of Ded Moroz (Father Frost), Snegurochka is a beautiful young woman made of snow and ice, with a gentle and innocent heart. Her story has been told for generations and
The Snow Maiden: A Winter Legend Read More »
Ostrovok Theatre invites you to a magical New Year’s performance! Meet Father Frost, the Snow Maiden, and other beloved fairy-tale characters! Join us for an exciting adventure full of surprises, cheerful songs, lively dances, and a festive atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy! I’m thrilled to sponsor the Russian Christmas show by the “Ostrovok”
✨ A Magical Christmas Performance in Russian Read More »
One of my students noticed: “Flowers are everywhere in Russian crafts!” That’s true. Russians love flowers. Traditionally, floral patterns are one of the distinctive features of Russian folk art. The art of Zhostovo metal tray painting is a great example of a lavish floral pattern. This craft is known around the world. Zhostovo metal tray
Zhostovo Blossoms: The Art and Tradition Behind Russian Painted Trays Read More »
This Halloween, Ivan Bilibin’s illustration of Vasilisa the Beautiful (1902) brings a bit of Russian folklore magic. Bilibin’s style, inspired by his love for Russian culture and his trips to the countryside, makes each detail feel like a glimpse into an enchanted world. The illustration of Baba Yaga’s hut is framed by mushrooms (what else
Into the Enchanted Woods: Bilibin’s Baba Yaga and the Magic of Russian Folklore Read More »
Khokhloma (хохлома) painting is a traditional Russian wood painting style and national ornament. Khokhloma is widely known for its lavish flower patterns with red and gold colours on a black background. These golden wood dishes, furniture, and utensils are some of the most desirable souvenirs on any tourist’s list. Khokhloma painting art is named after
Khokhloma: Russia’s Most Iconic Souvenir Read More »
Many of you are probably familiar with (and may have used) pencils of the Swiss brand Caran d’Ache. I still have mine from my last trip to Zurich. To Russian speakers the name Caran d’Ache sounds somewhat “Russian.” This s absolutely true! And this is why. Founded in 1915 in Geneva, the Swiss pen factory
Russian? Turkish? Swiss? Read More »
During the last Cowichan Valley Visions Art Tour, we discovered one rare mineral that can be found only in Russia. Silversmith Michele Heath introduced us to the unique stone charoite. The name ‘charoite’ derives from the Chara River, Russia, near which it was discovered. This rare stone has complex wiry pattern and uneven colour with
Have you heard about Russian cut roses or Designer cut? By Russian cut, North American florists mean cutting roses during their prime. Apparently, roses left on a longer stem have better performance and have a longer vase life. They are larger and have more open blooms. This cut is more common in Europe while North
