Ruska Slava

The Lake Erie Chapter of the Carpatho Rusyn Society has started a dance group called Ruska Slava! (Rusyn Glory!). This is the third such dance ensemble in the United States. The goal of the group is for youth and adults to learn about their Rusyn heritage and culture through traditional music and dance. Although the ensemble welcomes boys and girls aged 5 to 18, many adults are actively involved as instructors, musicians, and seamstresses. The group rehearses weekly and once a month Dean Poloka, the leader of the Slavjane dance group from McKees Rocks, travels to Erie to offer expert advice and instruction. "We started last fall and we are doing really well," says Eileen Zinchiak, the president of the Lake Erie Chapter and one of Ruska Slava's founders. Our emphasis is on having fun and learning about our culture. For example we don't think of our clothing as costumes, we think of it as the authentic dress of the Rusyn people." Rusyns are one of Erie's larger Slavic groups. These Eastern Slavs originated from villages in the Carpathian Mountains in present day Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Hungary and Romania. Ruska Slava has performed at the Byzantine Catholic Church and St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Erie and at SS. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Crossingville. The group is eager to be invited to dance and share our heritage in the region, noted Ms. Zinchiak. If you'd like more information about this ensemble contact Museum Folk Art Coordinator, Kelly Armor