Hopak
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Hopak (Ukrainian and Russian: Гопак, also referred to as Gopak, Cossack Dance, and "Russian" Dance) is a Ukrainian folk dance in 2/4 time and the corresponding musical style. The name is derived from the verb hopaty which means "to jump" and the corresponding exclamation Hop![1] uttered during a jump.
The dance is performed mainly by men and includes much high-energy moves: jumps (hence the name), squat-kicks, whirling, and acrobatics. In scenic versions the overall composition usually includes parts of group dance and of solo show-offs (jamming).
The Hopak style of dancing may have originated as battle practice exercises. Cossacks practiced fighting in a dancing manner and many of the moves are similar to those that would have been done in battle.
Several notable composers, including Modest Mussorgsky (e.g., in Sorochintsy Fair), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, have written hopaks.
Hopak based martial art, called Fighting Hopak (Ukrainian: Бойовий Гопак, Boiovyj Hopak) was created.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Pronounced as in dog
[edit] See also
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