Russian folk dance is one of the branches of the Russian art, performed as a national amateur or rehearsed staged dance. Male dances express prowess, greatheartedness, humor; female dances are fluid, majestic, with slight coquetry. Russian dances are an integral part of Russian national culture.
Jacob Stehlin, the well-known researcher of the folklore of the peoples of Russia, wrote in the 18th century: “In the whole state among the common people there is a custom to sing in the fields and dance Russian folk dance accompanied by the singing of girls and young women. ... In all the dance art of Europe, one can not find a dance that could surpass the Russian village dance when it is performed by a beautiful girl or a young woman, and no other national dance in the world can match the attractiveness of this dance”.
Features of the Russian folk dance
Movements in some dances simulate the movements of animals and birds, in others - represent labor processes (sowing, harvesting, weaving). The original dance, as well as the song, had a mystical meaning and played a magical role, so there were many archaic features in the ritual dances. The connection between Russian folk dance and rituals was typical for the round dance and other certain types of dances. A solo dance, a dance and a quadrille were not associated with rituals.
Russian folk dance is performed in its own way in every part of Russia. In the North – it is staid and stately. In the Central part - it is both calm and lyrical, as well as alive and cheerful. In the South, it's provocative, with prowess. At the same time, there are common features of Russian folk dance, connected to a large extent with the national character of the people. Male dance is characterized by an exceptional cheerfulness, humor, wide range of movements, respectful attitude towards partners. Female dance is characterized by smoothness, sincerity, femininity, nobility, in spite of the fact that sometimes it is executed vividly and fervently.
Types of the Russian folk dance
In scientific literature, there are many approaches to the classification of Russian folk dances. Some researchers subdivide them according to the songs that accompany the dance or by the number of performers. The dances may also be divided according to the dance pattern or by the movements in the dance. The classification itself can be based on labor processes that are performed. Even the name of the character depicted in the dance can distinguish the dance type. Famous Russian choreographer T. A. Ustinova, along with round dances and quadrilles, highlights improvised dances and playful dances.
Where to see Russian folk dance
There are two main theaters that specialize in Russian folk dance performances: Nikolaevsky palace with the famous “Feel Yourself Russian” folk show and Smolninsky Concert Hall with the popular “Bagatitsa” Cossack show. Both venues offer light fourchette in between the two acts of the performance. The tickets to the Feel Yourself Russian folk show cost USD 90 per person, Bagatitsa Cossack show costs USD 40 per person. Please come to the venue some time before the performance to get better seats since the prices are the same for all types of seats.
Any show can be arranged as an evening activity of the tour day. We will also offer special rates on the tickets to those who book any tour with us. Keep in mind, that the tickets have to be booked in advance. Tourists must have the same seats during the 2 acts of the performans (do not switch during the entracte). No dress-code.
Official web sites: Feel yourself Russian folk show and Bagatitsa Cossack show
Please contact us if you would like to book the performance.
