Thread by @CanadianKobzar

🧵STAY AWHILE AND LISTEN! I am VERY excited about Today's topic. This is something dear to my heart and to Ukraine. It is iconic, beautiful and exciting. It is an expression of our nature, identity and our unique history. Today we discuss - UKRAINIAN DANCE! 1/20

Today's thread is dedicated to my friend @Wendehopes! Big shout out to her and her amazing work with @NAFOArmories! Fellas - support both! They are doing incredible work for Ukraine! 2/20

Since ancient times, dance has played an important role in the various peoples inhabiting Ukraine. As early as the 3rd century BC, ancient pottery of the Trypillian culture depict various dances of its native ancient peoples. 3/20

Dance was a central aspect of many pre-Christian Slavic ceremonies. Some of these highly ritualized dances have been preserved and are even still practiced in modern Ukraine. This includes Vesnianky, Khorovody and harvest dances for the festival of Kupalo. 4/20

By the 17th century, Ukrainian dance took on a new secular meaning. As with much of Ukrainian culture, Ukrainian dance is directly linked to the rise of the Kozaky. With new music and ideas, Ukrainian dance evolved into a new expressive form. 5/20

Hopak - Ukraine's national dance was originally a militaristic dance performed by victorious kozaky returning from battle. Kobzar would play music as Kozaky would perform improvised dances showcasing their heroism and manliness. 6/20 https://t.co/tSqLxLmXu9

The comedic dance Povzunets, commonly known today as the "cossack squat dance" also has its origins in these improvised Kozak dances. The dance originated as a competition among Kozaky to see who could stay squatting the longest! 7/20

Another of Ukraine's most famous dances, the Kozachok also has it origins in Kozak dances. Unlike the male only Hopak, Kozachok is a partnered dance that involved women leading the men in high paced movements. 8/20 https://t.co/fSqPvPpepQ

All regions of Ukraine at this time developed their own unique styles of dance. Most notably, the Hutsul region developed a unique dance known as Hutsulka and the famous wedding dance known as kolomyika. 9/ https://t.co/O0LtTZ2FeQ

By the 19th Century, the Ukrainian ballet master Vasyl Mykolayovych Verkhovynets largely standardized and transcribed the various regional dances of Ukraine in his landmark work Theory of Ukrainian Folk Dance (1919). He also founded the modern three-stage Hopak. 10/20

Much of Ukrainian dance owes itself to the great Pavlo Virsky. The Odesa born Ukrainian choreographer had a monumental impact and influenced dancers for years to come. He was the founder of one of the greatest dance ensembles - Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Ensemble. 11/20

Canada in particular made a massive impact on Ukrainian dance, independent from Virsky. In particular Vasyl Avramenko pioneered Ukrainian dance in Canada. His influence lead to the creation of Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Company and various other groups in Canada. 12/20

The truly beautiful aspect of Ukrainian dance is its diversity. Each region of Ukraine has its own unique form of dance different from one another. I have mentioned Hopak, Kozachok and Hutsulka - but there are so many more. 13/20

The Polissian Dance from the Polissian region of north Ukraine place a heavy emphasis on high knee movements. A popular Polissian dance is called mazurochky.

Bereznyanka is a traditional dance from the Zakrpattia region in the Carpathian mountains. Also known as the "bouncy dance" it is characterized by large sweeping movements. 15/

While not regional, Chumaky is another Kozak folk dance that depicts merchants known as "Chumaky". 16/

Volyn Region's dance has striking similarities to their Polish neighbour's regional dances. It is characterized by high energy movements, kicks, jumps and arm movements. 17/

Boikos, Lemkos (aka Rusyns) and Polessians each have their own regional dances as well. 18/

Other non-slavic groups that call Ukraine home also form part of the Ukrainian culture. Crimean Tatars and Roma (or Tsiganki) have distinct dances. 19/

Just like the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian dance is beautiful, passionate and born of freewill and expression. It is how we express our courage, our love and our freedom. SLAVA UKRAINI! 20/20

PS1 - Ukrainian dance is very important to me. Both my parents were 🇺🇦 dancers (thats how they met). My grandparents were 🇺🇦 dancers (thats how they met). I am a dancer, (here my hopak video) But Mrs Kobzar does not. So I dance with Cat Kobzar.

PS2 - Important parts of Ukrainian dancer wardrobe are the distinctive red boots known as Postoly!

PS3 - Hopak is the national dance of Ukraine, but some think Hopak is actually a Kozak martial art passed down in secret to avoid censorship by Russia. Known as Boyovyy Hopak, it is a martial art practiced by Ukrainians today! Including me!

PS4 - Hopak is just awesome so here is another video.

PS5 - One of my Dido's (grandfather) favourite dances to preform was the Ukrainian Sailor's dance, see below:

PS6 - If you didn't hear me mention it the first 100 times, the dance Trepak from the Nutcracker is also a Ukrainian dance.

So. Correction from mama kobzar. These are choboty. Below are postoly. I have brought shame and dishonour to my family.