The Sretensky Youth Ball took place in Zharkent

February 18, 2024. Zharkent city, Zhetysu region. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the Sretensky youth ball took place in the center of the Zharkent deanery.

The event, dedicated to the International Day of Orthodox Youth, was organized by the parish activists of the Church of the Prophet Elijah of God, led by the rector, Priest Dimitry Kaplin.

The host of the event was Nina Sergeevna Tokmakova, a well-known figure in the field of culture and art in the region.

More than fifty boys and girls became direct participants of the festive evening - performers of classical ballroom dances. The ball brought together many guests from the residents of the city and nearby settlements.

The dance program opened with a welcoming polonaise performed by young parishioners of the Church of the Prophet Elijah, after which Priest Dimitry Kaplin addressed those present with a welcoming speech. The pastor congratulated the participants and guests on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and Orthodox Youth Day.

Classical dances alternated with performances by invited musicians. A teacher of the city School of Arts, Tursunmukhamedov Amanzhan, performed A. Babajanyan’s “Nocturne” on the trumpet, then A. Varlamov’s romance “Red Sarafan” was performed by flutist Varvara Kremleva. The guests were accompanied by accompanist Tatyana Donskikh.

Along with traditional ballroom compositions, the youth performed a dance based on folk motifs “Rapunzel”, which ended with a round dance of all those present.

Then, textbook works were performed by professional musicians. Honored teachers of the School of Arts Alena Lutovinova and Tatyana Donskikh performed a duet on the piano a waltz by composer Georgy Sviridov to Pushkin’s story “Blizzard” and a waltz by composer Aram Khachaturyan to Lermontov’s drama “Masquerade”. Participants and guests continued their dance performances to the accompaniment of virtuoso piano music.

Part of the evening's program was a master class - everyone could learn to dance the Spanish waltz. The proposal of the ball organizers was received with enthusiasm.

During the break between the dances, everyone present was offered refreshments.

The second part of the evening consisted of intellectual competitions and active choreographic games. Teachers of the School of Arts Alevtina Vetrova and Alena Lutovinova presented those present with a musical gift, performing “Duet of Lisa and Polina” from the opera by composer P.I. Tchaikovsky "Queen of Spades".

At the end of the evening, everyone who participated in the organization of the Sretensky Ball and the guest musicians were awarded with memorable gifts. The ball ended with a farewell dance to the sounds of “Spring Waltz” by F. Chopin.