Sitka's Dancing
Ambassadors
The New Archangel Dancers
Founded in 1969, the New Archangel Dancers are the longest continuously performing arts group in Sitka. Their origins trace back to a group of women who were originally Scottish dancers, but lost their bagpiper. This sparked the idea to create a folk dance troupe to entertain the tourists visiting our island community that once was the capital of Russian America, and referred to as New Archangel.
The founding members - Karen Grussendorf, Ernestine Massey, Stella Conway and Patsy DuBrock - began their journey by seeking guidance from Bishop Theodosius of St. Michael’s Cathedral. He provided them with a Russian picture book. Using the bishop’s translation and their own interpretation, the dancers crafted their first four Russian dances.
That summer, the cruise industry - as we know it in Sitka today - was born. And the New Archangel Dancers made their debut for the first four ships that came here.
The group’s reputation spread quickly, with the women being invited to perform at a chamber of commerce convention in Whitehorse, British Columbia. Next, was a trip to Ketchikan to perform at their convention and the group was up and running, traveling throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Cruise ship visitors who attended an early performance referred the group to Fred and Olga Klimovich, professional choreographers from the Yula Dancers of Long Island, New York. The pair came to Sitka and helped the group to learn additional dances and craft more authentic Russian costumes.
“Over the years, we’ve had eight other choreographers come and teach. Our repertoire has now expanded to about 35 dances,” says the group.
The New Archangel Dancers have since become cultural ambassadors, performing across Alaska, all around the United States, and travelling to Japan, Russia, the Caribbean and Mexico.
“Over the years, we’ve had eight other choreographers come and teach. Our repertoire has now expanded to about 35 dances.”
The group’s most significant annual event is the Alaska Day “Big Show” that marks the end of their dance season. All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Alaska Day Committee. Dancers say this show is particularly nerve-wracking. “We perform for our families and friends, many of whom know the dances intimately. It’s our way of saying thank you for all the support that Sitkans have given us over the years.”
To this day, the group remains all female. At the beginning, men were invited to join, but reportedly declined, saying they didn't come to Alaska to dance but to hunt and fish. The women proceeded on their own, learning the men’s tricks and developing a strong, supportive community.
The women proceeded on their own, learning the men’s tricks and developing a strong, supportive community.
Troupe members are from all walks of life. There are 10 - 40 members at any given time. When asked why the group continues their answer is simple, “the camaraderie and the exercise.”
According to Klaudia Leccese, a retired dancer, “it’s an opportunity to meet women of all different backgrounds who enjoy dance and enjoy a good workout.” Current dance director Heleena van Veen says “I have met women that I would never have met otherwise.” Sadie Rose Maher, a current member, has been watching the New Archangel Dancers since she was little. “It’s a childhood dream come true.”
The organization is a non-profit. Everyone volunteers their time and pitches in. From creating and repairing costumes, to teaching dances, to janitorial services - it’s a completely in-house operation.
Auditions are typically held in September, though post-COVID, the group is more flexible. Potential dancers should have a sense of rhythm, some coordination and the ability to count music.
Summer shows are held Wednesdays at Harrigan Centennial Hall, with tickets priced at $15. For more information, visit NewArchangelDancers.com or email NewArchangelDancers@gmail.com.
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