Our Team.
Our team's mission is to teach and educate Slovak/Eastern European Dance Houses with teachers from Slovakia, through workshops for dancers, musicians, and singers
NOGABAND
The Michal Noga Band is a highly regarded Slovak folk music ensemble known for its energetic and top-class interpretations of traditional village music from various regions of Slovakia. Led by the acclaimed virtuoso violinist, composer, and ethnologist Michal Noga, the band meticulously gathers material from extensive fieldwork, old recordings, and master musicians to revive ancient musical expressions for a contemporary audience. Their dedication to preserving and presenting the rich Slovak folk tradition with both authenticity and modern flair has earned them international recognition; their 2020 debut album Stopy, charted in the World Music Chart Europe and Transglobal World Music Chart. The band, which often performs at major folk festivals and dance houses, is a celebrated institution in the Slovak cultural scene. You can explore their work further on their official website.
ĽH Pajtáši
The band Pajtáši is a New York City-based Slovak folk acoustic band dedicated to preserving and performing traditional Slovak, Rusyn, Czech, and Moravian folk music. The group was formed over 25 years ago by Slovak immigrants in the NYC area to serve the local Slovak and other Eastern European communities. They are now made up of two generations and perform at various cultural events and festivals, including the Slovak Heritage Festival in New Jersey and Johnstown Slavic Festival in Pennsylvania, bringing lively entertainment featuring traditional instruments and songs.
Alfred Lincke
Alfréd “Fredo” Lincke is a prominent Slovak contemporary dancer, choreographer, and cultural ethnologist who has dedicated his career to revitalizing traditional Slovak folk dance as a living form of social communication. An alumnus and former faculty member at the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Lincke bridges academic research with vibrant public engagement. As a driving force behind the immersive House of Traditional Dances (Tanečný dom) initiatives, he breaks down the barrier between performer and spectator by teaching complex regional dances to the general public in lively, social settings. His exceptional technical skill and improvisational mastery have earned him the title of laureate at the prestigious nationwide dance competition Šaffova ostroha.
Beyond his own performances with acclaimed Slovak projects like Partia and Banda, Lincke is a visionary pedagogue and cultural leader. He serves as the director of the children’s folk ensemble Tancovadlo, co-founded the innovative dance workshop festival Rozhýbkosti, and sits on the programming board for the major Myjava International Folklore Festival. Through his specialized training workshops for regional choreographers and his active roles on national folklorism advisory boards, Lincke continues to shape the methodology of folk dance education, ensuring that Slovakia’s rich heritage moves dynamically into the future.
Lucia Nogová
Lucia Nogová is an accomplished Slovak folk dancer, pedagogist, and cultural manager deeply embedded in the preservation of traditional Slovak culture. Beginning her artistic journey in youth folklore ensembles, she later honed her craft performing with the prominent university ensemble Technik. Driven by a passion to keep traditional dance relevant and accessible, she went on to co-found the contemporary dance group Kumšt, an ensemble that blends authentic folklore methodology with modern artistic performance. Together with her husband, the prominent folk musician and primáš Michal Noga, she remains a vital pillar of the Slovak traditional art community, dedicated to passing these rich cultural disciplines down to the next generation of dancers.
Roman Lewkowicz
Roman Lewkowicz was born in Binghamton, NY. His dancing education began at age 3 with St.John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox dancers. From there he began his formal ballet training with the Roberson School of Ballet. From 1991 until 2007, Roman attended intensive dance camps and workshops in Upstate New York.
In 1994-1997, Mr. Lewkowicz was awarded an endowment fund to the Tamburitzans of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. For over 80 years, the Tamburitzans exist to preserve and celebrate international cultural heritages through artistic performance. From 1998-1999 Roman was contracted as a professional dancer and later commissioned to choreograph a suite of dances for PUĽS in Prešov, SK. His choreography is an active set within the company's repertoire. Mr. Lewkowicz is the only only American-born dancer to be a part of their company since its' creation in 1956. During his time in Slovakia, he also choreographed two dances for Karpaťanin Folk Ensemble (Prešov) and performed in the annual Svidnyk Rusyn-Ukrainian festival with PUL'S in 1999. Roman was also permitted to attend the rehearsals of the Slovak ensemble Šarišan under their pedag of dance Eduard Demčak.
Upon his return to the United States in 1999, Roman created his own semi-professional folk dance ensemble based out of New York City. They performed in festivals, weddings and concerts throughout NY, PA and NJ. Since then, Roman made several return trips to and had the opportunity to choreograph additional dances for PUĽS and work with amateur ensembles like Dubrava (Prešov, SK). In 2003, Roman became the artistic director and choreographer for the Limbora Slovak Folk Dance Ensemble (NYC) until 2007. The Susquehanna Folk Music Society (SFMS) acquired him in 2008 to teach Slovak dance at their annual folk camp. From 2014 until 2019, Roman was commissioned as the instructor and choreographer of the Limboračik Slovak Children's Dance Ensemble in Astoria, Queens. Over the years, Roman has had the distinct pleasure of working with the Pajtaši Slovak Accoustic Band at various festivals in NY, and NJ, as well as at the Slovak Consulate in Washington, DC. Mr. Lewkowicz occasionally performs but continues to teach dance with all his heart.
