The story of Kalinka began in the heart of Adelaide in the 1960s, when a small group of Russian immigrants came together to celebrate and preserve the rich traditions of their homeland through music and dance. What started as a community gathering soon blossomed into a passionate ensemble, determined to keep the spirit of Russian folk culture alive in a new land.

Named after the beloved Russian folk song “Kalinka,” the group quickly became a cherished part of South Australia's multicultural landscape. Over the decades, Kalinka has grown from humble beginnings into a dynamic, multigenerational troupe, performing across festivals, cultural events, and interstate showcases.

Through changing times and generations, our mission has remained the same: to honour the deep roots of Russian folklore, while sharing its beauty, diversity, and joy with audiences young and old. Many of our dancers are second and third generation Australians, continuing the legacy started by their parents and grandparents.

Today, Kalinka stands as one of the longest-running Russian folk-dance ensembles in Australia and serves as a living bridge between past and present, tradition and expression, heritage and home.