Tanya Teodorovich preserves Slavic folklore in California by restoring traditional costumes from museum books, singing folk songs, and organizing traditional Russian holidays. She gathers a lot of people and sings with them, thereby preserving and promoting a layer of culture and folklore that is disappearing. Her inner beauty and power inspire a thousand people around her. Her feminine strength and wisdom, coupled with her desire to preserve the language of traditions and pass them on to future generations, make her an admirable cultural ambassador. We worked on the project of Traditional Slavic Costume in the historic place of Fort Ross, where you can feel the spirit of traditions on the territory of California.

The Women's Costume of the Old Believers - Kerzhaki of the Altai Region is a replica of the museum set from the village of Cheremshanka. It was skillfully handmade by master Olga Savelyeva. The costume features a black silk sarafan with lining, a maroon shirt, and a striped apron. The headpiece, known as "kichka," was handmade by Tatyana Teodorovich and is elegantly tied up with an antique shawl. The ornaments for this costume consist of beautiful amber beads.

The women's costume of the Old Believers, specifically the polyaki of the Altai region, is known for its traditional cut and decor. One example of such a costume is a yellow cotton sarafan, a white shirt, and an apron with sleeves. This particular costume was handmade by the master Tatyana Teodorovich in 2004.

The headpiece typically worn with this costume is a woman's band adorned with "horns." These horns are not actual horns but decorative elements that resemble curved extensions or branches. They are often made from fabric or other materials and are attached to the headband.

In terms of accessories, a beaded collar and a chest ornament known as a gaitan are commonly worn. The beaded collar is a decorative piece that adorns the neck and is made of beads or other small embellishments. The gaitan is an ornament worn on the chest, typically made of metal or other materials and featuring intricate designs or patterns.

It's worth noting that the Old Believers are a religious group that split from the Russian Orthodox Church in the 17th century due to disagreements over liturgical reforms. They have since maintained their own unique cultural practices and traditions, including distinctive clothing styles. The specific details of the costume can vary depending on the region and subgroup within the Old Believer community.

It was an honor for me to work with Tanya Teodorovich on the Cultural Project: Traditional Slavic Costumes. This particular costume represents the maiden's holiday costume of the Vyatka Region. It has been meticulously sewn from a sample found in the book "Russian North. Priuralie. The Middle Volga region" by S.V. Gorozhanina and L.M. Zaitseva. The costume consists of a brown checked sarafan named 'Moskovers' and a white linen shirt. It was handmade by the master Tatyana Teodorovich in 2010. The headpiece features an original shawl from the Baranovsky manufacturer. It's worth noting that the Vyatka Province holds a special significance for me as it is the place of residence of my ancestors in my mother's line, specifically the Chuchkalov and Nelubyun families.

The Women's Poltava costume is an authentic prefabricated ensemble from the late 19th to early 20th century. It includes an intricately embroidered linen shirt, a wool blue skirt, a wool belt, and a black corsetka jacket. The costume was purchased in 2018, showcasing the timeless beauty of Poltava's traditional attire.

The headpiece for this costume is a silk scarf, adding a touch of elegance and completing the ensemble. As for the ornaments, modern beads are used, along with a stylization of the traditional namisto.

It is worth noting that Tanya's grandfather, Leonid Sergeyevich Sitko, was born and lived in the Poltava region. This costume holds a special connection to Teodorovich's family heritage, particularly through her grandfather and ancestors on her father's side. It serves as a testament to the rich cultural traditions of the Poltava region.

The female costume of the settlers of Fort Ross represents a historical reconstruction of the clothing worn by the settlers of Fort Ross from 1812 to 1841. The costume consists of a monochrome light linen shirt, a blue skirt, an apron, and a headpiece in the form of a kerchief tied around the head. It was handmade by master Tatyana Teodorovich in 2010.

To complement the costume, jewelry includes glass beads and beaded earrings inspired by the Kashaya Indians. These elements add authenticity and reflect the cultural exchange that took place during that period.

The Fort Ross costume provides a glimpse into the clothing and style of the settlers during a specific historical period. It showcases the dedication to historical accuracy and preservation of cultural heritage.

The woman's suit, known as a Parochka, is comprised of a skirt and a fitted blouse. It represents urban clothing from the late 19th to early 20th century. This particular Parochka was sewn in 2015 specifically for the concert program of Cossack songs performed by the vocal group "Kostroma" at the Russian House Kedry. The talented author behind this creation is Tatyana Teodorovich.

The Parochka showcases the style and fashion of the time period, providing an authentic representation of urban attire during that era. Its creation for the concert program demonstrates the dedication to historical accuracy and the promotion of Russian cultural heritage through music and costume.

The traditional Russian "pechka"

The traditional Russian "pechka" is not only a practical heating and cooking device but also holds a special place in folklore and childhood memories. Many fairy tales and stories feature the pechka as a central element, often involving characters like Ivan Durak. In these tales, the pechka takes on a magical quality, providing warmth, shelter, and even granting wishes.

In personal recollections, many people remember their grandparents or ancestors having a pechka in their homes. It served as a multi-purpose fixture where one could sleep, cook, and gather. The warmth emitted by the pechka provided a cozy and comforting environment, especially during harsh winters. It became a cherished memory and symbol of family and home.

I personally remember my grandmother having a pechka, and she would often tell stories of how she would sleep on it to stay warm during the cold nights. She would also cook delicious meals using the heat from the pechka, filling the house with delightful aromas and creating a sense of togetherness.

These personal connections and experiences with the pechka highlight its significance as more than just a practical device. It represents a rich cultural heritage and a source of warmth, comfort, and cherished memories.

In a quirky twist of fashion, we can now adopt the 'Fort Ross style' of wearing our iPhones by placing them in our boots, just as the settlers of Fort Ross might have done with their belongings in the 19th century. It's a whimsical nod to the past, combining modern technology with historical aesthetics!