Ukrainian Dance: A Cross-Cultural Approach - Paperback

by Andriy Nahachewsky (Author)

Ukrainian dance is remarkably enduring in its popularity and still performed in numerous cultural contexts. This text unpacks the complex world of this ethnic dance, with special attention to the differences between vival dance (which requires being fully engaged in the present moment) and reflective dance (dance connected explicitly to the past). Most Ukrainian vival dances have been performed by peasants in traditional village settings, for recreational and ritual purposes. Reflective Ukrainian dances are performed more self-consciously as part of a living heritage. Further sub-groups are examined, including national dances, recreational/educational dances, and spectacular dances on stage.

Author Biography

Andriy Nahachewsky has been a performer, choreographer, adjudicator, and historian of Ukrainian dance for over forty years. He has researched Ukrainian dance and other elements of traditional culture in Canada, Ukraine, USA, Brazil, the former Yugoslavia, Slovakia and several other countries.