Dances

Desna’s repertoire is one of the most diverse in Canada. If you have any old dances, please share them with us at promotion s @desna.ca

Pryvit (Ukraine)

Description
“Pryvit”, a Ukrainian welcome. Showcasing a kaleidoscope of Ukrainian regions, costumes and styles of dance with the traditional presentation of wheat, bread and salt – wishing all good health and prosperity.

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Current Repetoire | Past Repertoire 1 | Past Repertoire 2

Hopak (Ukraine)

Description
Regarded as the National Dance of Ukraine, Hopak allows individual dancers to display their talents. Male soloists rival each other to perform difficult leaps, kicks and other acrobatic stunts. The girls showcase their challenging spins and add a decorative element to the choreography, all culminating in a dramatic finale.

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Current Repertoire | Past Repertoire 1 | Past Repertoire 2

Kozachok (Ukraine)

Description
Young Kozaks and Kozachky show their strength, beauty and grace in this fast, linear dance where the woman leads and the man follows, imitating her figures. Danced in an ever-increasing tempo, the woman signals movement changes by clapping her hands.

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Current Repetoire

Ranok Na Bukovyni (Ukraine)

Description
As the sun is rising over the northern slopes of the Carpathian mountains, dancers awaken, say good morning to each other and start the day with a quick, lively dance featuring intricate footwork.

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Current Repertoire | Past Repertoire

Volynskyj Vikrutas (Ukraine)

Description
After an honest day's work in the flowing wheat fields a final burst of energy encapsulates this vibrant and rhythmic dance full of jumps, spins, high legs, and lively twists.

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Current Repertoire | Past Repertoire

Vesnianka (Ukraine)

Description
From the coldness of the winter to the blooming of spring. Three groups of girls compete with one another through a series of lyrical and technique combinations and tricks.

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Current Repertoire

Spears (Ukraine)

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Current Repertoire

Tyhanskyj Tanok

Description
This fast paced, passionate expressive Romani dance with bright, vibrant and flowing costumes is a representation of the Romani culture and people who have lived in Ukraine for centuries.

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Current Repetoire

Vesela Trembita (Ukraine)

Description
High up in the Carpathian mountains, Hutsuli play their Trembiti (the longest instrument in the world) as a call for their fellow dancers to come out and start to dance!

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Current Repetoire

Country (Canada)

Description
Howdy and hello to the farmlands and agriculture of Canada. The alchemy of Canadian and Ukrainian culture is smashed together in this stomping, jumping and flick-flaking cowboy dance.

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Current Repertoire