The Ravanica Youth Program was formed for the purpose of preserving our Serbian heritage through language, music and dance instruction. Beginning in 1915, Serbian language was taught in all aspects of academic and religious instruction in order to serve the newly immigrated Serbian population in Detroit.
Instruction in instrumental music was offered through weekly lessons. These lessons were made available to adults and children and were further reinforced in summer church camp. Numerous concerts were held that showcased the talents of our tumbura students.
Choral music also played an equally important role. S.S.S. Ravanica, promoting this treated cultural tradition, established a junior choir in order to attract future singers as well as preserve secular and sacred Serbian music. The Junior Choir performed annually at Sveti Sava celebrations and occasionally, in the church choir loft along with the Senior Choir.
Some of the group’s memorable performances have been for His Holiness Patriarch Pavle, HRH Princess Elizabeth Karadjordjevich and various other dignitaries. The Folklore Group has also performed at the International Institute, competing against other nations’ dance groups, at shopping malls, picnics and SNF events.
The Ravanica Youth Program hosts many folklore festivals and participates in those of neighboring communities as well. The Ravanica community always enjoys watching the kolo groups perform, knowing that our Serbian heritage is flourishing.
Today, Ravanica Youth Program classes are offered on Sunday afternoons following Church School.
Instruction in folk (kolo) dancing has always been an integral part of the Ravanica Youth Program. Kolo classes offered today perpetuate the folklore traditions associated with the various regions of our ancestry. The Ravanica Folklore Group serves as “ambassadors” of our parish, promoting our rich Serbian heritage.
The Ravanica Youth Program was formed for the purpose of preserving our Serbian heritage through language, music and dance instruction. Beginning in 1915, Serbian language was taught in all aspects of academic and religious instruction in order to serve the newly immigrated Serbian population in Detroit.
