Today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms will be presented in Russian, with subtitles in Arabic, Aulacese (Vietnamese), Chinese, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai and Spanish.

Welcome, wonderful viewers to A Journey through Aesthetic Realms. Today we are glad to introduce the Russian folk dance and song group, Gorenka. It is an award-winning state arts company that preserves, shares, and celebrates the unique Russian cultural heritage. The roots of Russian folk music date back to pre-Christian times with various Slavic tribes that resided within the first ever Russian state, a milestone that occurred in the 10th century.

The music was as diverse as the peoples themselves. Songs and dances were part of rituals and everyday life in the villages. There were seasonal songs, such as the songs of farewell to the winter and greeting the spring, wedding songs, lyrical songs and working songs. Later with increasing urbanization, the most talented dancers and singers made performing their profession, displaying their talents at markets, squares and celebrations.

These musical treasures of collective memories, along with chronicles and travelers’ diaries, have helped researchers to better understand life in ancient Russia. They also inspire many modern musicians and performers living in busy cities to immerse themselves in the natural and carefree world of folk art. Gorenka was created in November 1977 by Valentin and Olga Pahomov. Steadfast dedication and fine talent have brought the company great success.

The dance team has performed more than 2,000 times, participating in numerous contests, festivals, and cultural exhibitions on regional, national and international levels. In 2007, Valentin Pahomov, the art director of Gorenka, was honored with the Russian Federation Government Award “Russian Soul.”

All the group members are professional artists. They are vocal and choreography graduates. We have been rehearsing for a long time, and we perform on Russian stages and also go on tours abroad.

Today we feature highlights of performances by Gorenka at the Bucheon World Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo which was held in South Korea. Their opening song is entitled “Oh, Curly Head, My Curly Head.”

Oh, curly head, my curly head Curly hair Curly hair Wide beard

Curly hair Wide beard Wide beard Don’t you walk in my garden

Don’t you walk in my garden Don’t you leave a trace Don’t you make a path Don’t you give a reason for rumors

Don’t you make a path Don’t you give a reason for rumors If the rumors start No one will come to marry me

The beauty and grace of cranes have made them highly revered birds in numerous cultures. Some believe that the flight of a crane symbolizes spiritual and physical rebirth. In the Caucasus, there is a belief that perished soldiers turn into cranes. When the poem “The Cranes” by the famous Avar language poet Rasul Gamzatov from the Republic of Dagestan was translated into Russian and set to music by Yan Frenkel in 1968, it became a timeless classic, a touching prayer for all the victims of unstable times.

Since its release, many memorials in Russia have featured the lyrics of this poem and images of cranes. Furthermore, October 22 is designated as a day for “Celebration of White Cranes.” Rasul Gamzatov created this day as a day of poetry and remembrance and to strengthen the bonds between the diverse cultures and peoples of Russia. Please enjoy this moving piece performed by Gorenka.

Sometimes I dream that fallen hero soldiers, Forever lost in fields of old campaigns, Were never buried under mournful alders, But turned to mystic snowy crying cranes.

So they are flying ever since those ages. They call for us and maybe that is why Their voices are so full of burning sadness, And we keep silence as we look into the sky.

The tired flock soars up toward the clouds. I see a tiny break in their line: Someone should exit noisy human crowds. I realize: one day that lot should be mine.

One day the flock shall raise me to the clouds And I will fly with others – don’t cry! And from the skies above I will be sending My voice for those I loved and left on Earth.

Sometimes I dream that fallen hero soldiers, Forever lost in fields of old campaigns, Were never buried under mournful alders, But turned to mystic snowy crying cranes.

After these brief messages, we will continue our presentation of memorable performances by the Russian folk dance and song group Gorenka. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television.

Welcome back to A Journey through Aesthetic Realms featuring the enchanting performances by the Russian folk dance and song company Gorenka at the Bucheon World Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo in South Korea. Gorenka is based in Khabarovsk, the administrative center of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia, located some 30 kilometers from China.

Being a place with a history of international flavor, Khabarovsk is the sister-city of Harbin, China, Niigata, Japan, and Bucheon, South Korea. On many occasions, performers from Khabarovsk, including the dance group Gorenka, have attended cultural events in these neighboring countries to share the beauty of Russian art.

In every culture, many songs are dedicated to love and romance. It’s one of the most common and wonderful human experiences but at the same time it is full of challenges. To express one’s intimate feelings, even a brave hero needs to gather all his courage. Please enjoy this Kazak song entitled “Under the Wide Window.”

Under the high window Under the wide window A snow white cherry tree blooms Past this cherry tree, past this house A brave Kazak is walking for the first time Past this cherry tree, past this house A brave Kazak is walking for the first time

He would look at the window He would glance through the window Nothing can be seen behind the cherry tree He would walk back frowning And comes back to the cherry tree He would walk back frowning And comes back to the cherry tree

Hear me my sweetheart, Hear me my love And open your window wide Don’t you see, or don’t you notice That I am waiting for you for so long Don’t you see, or don’t you notice That I am waiting for you for so long

Under the high window Under the wide window A snow white cherry tree blooms Past this cherry tree, past this house A brave Kazak is walking for the third time Past this cherry tree, past this house A brave Kazak is walking for the hundredth time

Past this cherry tree, right into this house A brave Kazak is going to make a marriage offer

Gorenka’s performances feature an array of favorite Russian songs. Some are sad and others are funny tales of love accompanied by rhythmic dances. The music ranges from old folk songs to more recent popular tunes, all played with traditional instruments such as the accordion and balalaika, a Russian stringed instrument of the lute family.

Gorenka presents a vibrant program that dazzles and delights the audience. Listening to the happy sounds and enjoying the festive atmosphere created by colorful costumes and the enthusiastic and friendly smiles of the performers, one almost wishes to join in the lighthearted and joyful celebration of life on the stage. A Russian proverb states: “When lovers quarrel, it’s only for fun!” For a couple having true love for each other, all misunderstandings are quickly resolved. Please enjoy an excerpt of the humorous piece “Oh! You were not home!”

Yesterday you came for a visit And didn’t find me home Didn’t find me and got angry Why be quick with your temper?

“Oh! You were not home! Oh! You were not waiting for me!” Don’t you come for nothing Give me notice before you visit.

“Oh! You were not home! Oh! You were not waiting for me!” Don’t you come for nothing Give me notice before you visit.

Instead of asking questions It’s better to kiss your girl You don’t hug me and don’t spoil me O why are you being jealous?

“Oh! You were not home! Oh! You were not waiting for me!” Don’t you come for nothing Give me notice before you visit.

“Oh! You were not home! Oh! You were not waiting for me!” Don’t you come for nothing Give me notice before you visit.

Gorenka touches the audience with their boisterous spirit and inviting warmth. Their uplifting performances are truly remarkable, rich in energy and vitality, and leave lasting beautiful memories. We sincerely thank the company for coloring our world with their songs and dances.

Happy viewers, we are glad you joined us on A Journey through Aesthetic Realms to discover some of the magnificent cultural heritage of Russia. Vegetarianism: The Noble Way of Living is next, after Noteworthy News. May your life be full of joy and high spirits.

For more information about Gorenka, please contact art director Valentin Pahomov at