Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 30, 2012 Ridgewood Russian performers elicit cheers and applause by John Koster Mikhail Smirnov got the attention of his Ridgewood audience with the first few notes of his accordion. Before he and his group were on stage for 10 minutes, he had the people clapping, stomping, and cheering as he and his troupe, “Barynya,” offered an hour-long kaleidoscope of Russian and ethnic cultures that ranged from isolated villages to Hollywood impressions. “Actually, we have eight dancers and six singers in our group, but since this is Ridgewood I brought only the best,” said Smirnov. “Elina Karokhina is the best balalaika player and Boulat Moukhametov is the best dancer. I am Mikhail Smirnov – that is my real name – and I am here because I am the only one who speaks a little bit of English.” People smiled at his dry wit. Both Karokhina and Moukhametov spoke English -- but Smirnov turned out to be accurate about their artistic skills, not to mention his own. “Elina Karokhina is the best balalaika player in Russia,” Smirnov said after she gave a demonstration of incredible melodic dexterity. “The world!” a voice contradicted from the audience. The voice came from Leonard Davis, the balalaika soloist from the film score of “Doctor Zhivago,” a Fair Lawn resiLeft: Boulat Moukhametov dances for the crowd. Center: Elina Karokhina with her balalaika. Right: Mikhail Smirnov. dent who attended the May 20 concert. Applause from the auditorium showed that a lot of people agreed with him. The other best of the best was Moukhametov, who was built like a taller Yul Brynner, and whose somersaults, high kicks, and knack for both virtuosic and comedic dancing had the audience clapping to keep pace and encourage him. Smirnov’s own virtuosic performance on the garmosha, a Russian-style accordion, on the three-stringed skitar, backing Elina on the balalaika, and his alternately sentimental and comic singing style – his fellow perform- ers also sang to strong applause – brought the whole show together. “They were fantastic!” one concert regular gasped. People from the audience crowded forward to the stage with genuine affection and admiration to thank all three Russians for coming to Ridgewood and to ask questions. Moukhametov showed one older woman how to take photographs with her cell phone. Then the three Russians had to beat a reluctant hasty retreat to get to their next gigs. Before they left, the Russians wanted their photographs (continued on page 18)