Folk-stage dance of the Carpathian region as a folklore basis of contemporary choreographic art

Abstract

The article analyzes the history of the development and popularization of folk-stage dance in Prykarpattia. The study of folk art in general and folk dance in particular in the context of the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine is becoming more relevant than ever, because «the identity of a nation is its civilizational brand, the country’s socio-cultural niche, and the defining principle of the state’s foreign and domestic policy» [8, p. 4]. Folk dance is the cultural code of a nation. As a part of theatrical art, it is able to raise the patriotic spirit in the viewer, to foster a sense of pride in own nation and culture. The intangible cultural heritage, including folk dance as a national cultural product, must meet the demands of the present. One of the contemporary forms of dance art is the choreographic show performance. The lexeme «show» indicates the mass nature of the product, its entertainment character. In addition, shows use the latest digital technologies, software, laser art and musical infrasound techniques. The show is a kind of synthesis of different genres and art forms. Vasyl Vovkun’s mytho-dance opera Ole (Oleksa Dovbush) performed by the National Academic Hutsul Song and Dance Ensemble Hutsuliya as a modern form of popularizing traditional Hutsul dance culture and as a cultural national product meets all the requirements of the show. The performance combines different genres and art forms. It harmoniously intertwines drama, dance, and song. This unusual combination increased the interest of the cultural product consumer in the dramatic action of the show and added to its popularity. The scenery, costumes, and lighting meet the needs of the present. The choreographer created modern dances and choreographic compositions based on authentic Hutsul folklore. Folk-stage dances are organically combined with modern choreography, they are full of sophisticated technique and complex choreographic text, which demonstrates the skill of the author and ballet dancers. Based on the analysis of the peculiarities of folk dance staging, we have formulated and characterized the main criteria that should ensure the relevance of a contemporary choreographic work.