Russian folk dance - history and realities

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Many sources on the history of choreography claim that Russian folk dance owes its appearance to the harsh Russian climate. They say that the jumps and tricks that our dances are so rich in are nothing more than a way to keep warm in the cold. After all, most of the folk holidays and festivities in Russia used to take place only in late autumn and winter, when the old crop was already harvested, and the time had not yet come for the sowing of a new one.

Of course, this version has the right to life. But be that as it may, Russian folk dance is an ancient art. Its first mention in historical documents dates back to 907, that is, even before the baptism of Russia. But when exactly the Russian people began to dance and what their first dances were, no one knows now. One can only assume that the Russian folk dance originally had a great ritual significance and symbolized a close sacred connection with nature. At least, such a judgment is made up of ancient national oral traditions, epics and songs.

It should be noted that the Russian folk dance very accurately reflects the waytemperament and character of the people. It can be argued that the reflection of reality is one of the features of the dance art of our ancestors. And this Russian folk dance stands out against the background of the world dance culture.

The first sowing or harvesting in Russia has long been accompanied by all sorts of ritual actions. The round dance became their basis and smoothly turned into a classical dance for Russians. It can be argued that it is the round dance that is the forefather of our national dance art. Based on his motives, dances were created for centuries, which today are considered bright examples of national choreography.

Russian folk dance "Kalinka" is not a round dance, it's a dance. A dance that appeared, so to speak, breaking the chain of the round dance. Dance is the best way to demonstrate fun, cheerfulness, prowess and breadth of a person’s soul, characteristic of all Slavic peoples. But absolutely all Russian dances are filled with deep lyrical meaning, however, like the fun of a Russian person, it always echoes sadness. Another well-known example of classical dance is the Russian folk dance "Lady".

These and other Russian dances are a special art. Dancers, like theater actors, play a role in the production. They tell an interesting life story. They tell brightly, colorfully, using not only body movements, but also facial expressions and gestures. Russian dances are humor and laughter, somersaults and jumps, groovy dances, which, against the backdrop of bright nationalcostumes look especially impressive.

An important fact is that in Russian national dances, the masculine and feminine principles are clearly traced. A man is energetic and courageous, a woman is majestic and proud. The stories in the songs about Great Russia, good tsars and valiant heroes who have accompanied Russian dances for centuries have made them a part of the history of the Fatherland.

Interest in Russian folk dance has never fallen either in Russia or in foreign countries. And today, many choreographic schools among the whole variety of dances prefer to focus on Russian folk - an art that has been proven for more than one hundred years.