ARTS OF RUSSIA – DANCES

Russian dances are divided into many types. Now you will see some of them.

In Russia, as in all countries, there are their own folk dances. But they are also divided into many different types.

"Kamarinskaya"

"Kamarinskaya" (aka "Komarinskaya") is a Russian folk dance song and a comical dance done to its melody (mainly by men). Musical size - 2/4 (quite fast).

Its main element is steps: on the heel, then on the toe. During the dance, the dancer claps his hands on his stomach and on his heels. There are also elements of squatting, jumping, twirling and walking in a circle.

"Khorovod" (Round dance)

Round dance is an ancient folk dance, which is done as a ritual, in circles and by a large group of people.

The Eastern Slavs also used the word "khorovod" to refer to youth games in the open air, during which a round dance would be performed, too. Such games would be held mainly at the end of spring - the beginning of summer, but sometimes also in autumn.

"Trepak"

Trepak (from the verb "trepat", which means "shake" or "thrash") is an old Russian dance (also common in Ukraine). It is performed at a fast pace, in the musical size of 2/4.

The main movements are fractional steps, trampling and squatting, with throwing out the legs. The hands are mostly held on the belt. Most of the movements are improvised by the performer.

Trepak has a lot in common with "Kamarinskaya" and "Barynia": it is either a single male dance, or a couple dance.

Yes, this is the end of my presentation. I hope you liked it!