Hopak


This is a traditional Ukrainian group dance from the district of Kiev and very popular throughout the country. It is danced in pairs, side by side, in a circle, in lines or following each other with the unremitting vigour of the Ukrainian people. This vivid and passionate dance allows the expression of individuality & feelings.
Vechornytsi (The Gathering)


The young men show their agility, suppleness and strength as they try to impress the girls, who in turn return the compliment with subtle, graceful movements and delightful footwork. The dance finishes with a resounding flourish, with all joining in to complete a full evening’s festivities!
Metelytsia (The Snowstorm)


In the deep mid-winter the boys and girls frolic in the snow, often slipping and sliding as they try to gain a foothold. As the dance proceeds it looks like a snowstorm as the tempo builds rapidly.
Horlytsia (The Dove)


The dance of the Ukrainian Black Sea Cossacks
Deviatka


This dance consists of three men and six girls and for this reason it is known as ‘the nine’. Three men wonder which of the girls they would like to escort to the dance and not knowing which, they take two each to decide which would be the best. The men dance with arrogance and high stepping footwork – the girls try to lure them with coy glances and flirtatious looks. In the end they have to decide which one – we’ll leave you to decide the outcome…
Kozachok


A dance of Cossack courtship – the Cossacks dance around the girls showing their agility, suppleness and strength as they try to impress the girls. The girls pretend to flee, but encourage them through their graceful movements and delightful footwork.
Marusia


Marusia is a girl who lives in a village somewhere beyond the Danube. Her name is well known to the young men who live nearby. The dance opens with a song about what happens when they arrive at her house only to be met by her parents. Late at night, after being given a meal, they decide to sneak off, but are discovered in the act and driven off with a good hiding! The dance then proceeds with all the dancers joining in the festivities to help forget an otherwise awkward moment.