Навчання дітей та молоді українських народних танців у Галичині (1919–1939 рр.)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of teaching Ukrainian folk dances to children and youth in Galicia (1919-1939), when it was important to preserve national identity, and the study of folk choreography was one of the means of national-patriotic education and cultural development. The authors argue that the interest in folk dance was revived under the influence of a choreographer Vasyl Avramenko’s performing skills and pedagogical activity. Vasyl Avramenko ystematized the theory and practice of folk dances teaching and opened the first school of Ukrainian national dances. The school functioned in various cities of Galicia. It is emphasized the role of cultural, educational and sports societies and organizations in popularizing the art of folk dance among children and youth. Thus, folk dances were taught at various courses, clubs and societies such as «Prosvita», «Ukrainska Zakhoronka», “Ridna shkola”, gymnastics societies «Sokil», «Luh» etc. It is discovered that at concerts on various holidays children and youth performed Ukrainian folk dances and music performances based on folk motifs interpreted by Vasyl Avramenko, Oksana Sukhoverska, Volodymyr Terletskyi, Yaroslav Bulka, Petro Lazoryshchak and other choreographers. The most popular folk dances were: «Kolomyika», «Arkan», «Kateryna», «Chumak», «Kozachok», «Hopak», «Zhuravel». Dancers performed them solo, in pairs or in groups. Although the methodolody of dance teaching was not systematized and well-developed, students developed a sense of rhythm and harmony, grace, plasticity, artistry. This was confirmed by numerous positive reviews on the performances of young Ukrainian dancers in the press of the time. Keywords: folk dance, folk dance courses, cultural and educational organizations, youth societies.