Eastern Europe is one of the parts of our planet that is famous for its very distinctive culture. The countries that make up it have long been united by one large state. But this did not stop them from developing their culture independently of one another. Among these countries is Belarus.
Belarusian folk dances and songs are an integral part of the national consciousness of this country. As in many other cultures, they are closely related to the calendar of national holidays and family celebrations. These include weddings, homelands, carols and others.
History tour
Belarusian folk dance has been forming together with all Belarusian culture since the XIV century. And the sources of folk dances were even more ancient all-Russian rites. Through movements, Belarusians conveyed all their character and traits, characteristic of these people. They show how they feel life and its beauty, their temperament and inspiration.
The seasons also influenced the emergence of new dances. Belarusian folk dances are correlated with the brightest celebrations of the season. This is due to the nature of the occupations of the ancient Belarusians, namely, agriculture. For example, holidays such as sparks and dozhinki were the reasons for festivities in the fall. In winter, the main occasions for dancing were the carriage and holy evening. At Pancake Week Belarusians not only baked pancakes, but also danced the whole village. And in the summer, Belarusian folk dance was honored almost every day, as young boys and girls were not averse to dancing without reason. And the main holiday of the summer was Kupala.
There are very few single dances in Belarus. Their main number is pair, mass dances.
Belarusians danced to any instruments that were just at hand. And since this people is very talented, there were many such instruments: from the violin to the tambourine, from the cymbals to the accordion and so on. Well, how can you do without a song? Most often they liked to sing ditties, the so-called refrains. This gave even more mischief to the dances, and they turned into small humorous competitions.
Honored Recognition
For many years, Belarusian folk dances existed exclusively in rural areas. They were considered peasant and unworthy of the upper strata of society. And only at the beginning of the 19th century did Belarusian dances become popularized. The main role in this was played by Ignat Buinitsky. He collects his troupe and travels with her across the country.
These people showed how the folk dance of Belarusians can be emotional and temperamental. The popularity of this theater only grew, which gave them the opportunity to be invited to Poland and St. Petersburg and already there to represent the identity of their people.
But Buinitsky did not stop there, and in 1907 he became the founder of the Belarusian folk theater. The role of the director and actor belonged to him and Buynitsky himself. He managed to convey all the colors of the folk dance, while showing its beauty and characteristic features of the people.
Belarusian folk dances have many kinds. The most popular are Lyavonikha, Yanka and Kryzhachok.
Favorite dance “Lyavonikha”
As mentioned above, most Belarusian dances are paired. Lyavonikha is no exception. The song of the same name is the basis of the dance, since it arose precisely based on the dialogue that takes place between Lyavonikha and Lyavon, and the dance is conducted around them. The number of participants is not limited, if only you find a couple. The dance is very dynamic and fast, but uncomplicated, which brought him popularity. Usually Belarusians put on their homespun clothes, performing it. "Krutikha" is the second name of this dance, which came from the main movement - circling pairs.
"Little Goose"
The dance received such an unusual name from the main form, which determines the construction of the dancers, namely from the cross and transitions of cross-wise movements. The popularity of “Kryzhachok” is not inferior to “Lyavonikha”.
It is interesting that this dance in some parts of Belarus is called more abbreviated - "Kryzhak". In general, a wild drake is called a goose in this country. Therefore, in dance, people tend to imitate the movements of this bird. Another variation of the name is "Circle", and the movements here tend to circle more.
Yanka Polka
“Yanka” is a Belarusian folk dance, which borrowed the main movements from folk polka. It is performed in the same way as Lyavonikha, only for a specific song, namely, the Belarusian folk Yanka. The pace of movement is moderately fast. They are carried out with the arrogance and fun inherent in Belarus.
Dance is no exception, it is doubles. All movements are in a circle. Couples actively tapping the rhythm of the dance with their feet and spin to the music.
Belarusian folk song, dance are important elements of the culture of this people. They complement each other and are closely intertwined.