Steph, What am I on? Freshly brewed coffee made by a fine young Toyboy! You better hurry up as I am about to drain the pot and climb the stairs…. all fourteen steps… properly! No more of this one up drag, one up drag.
Back in 1969 I was privileged to meet a group of Ukrainians from Manchester and a group of Israelis from Tel Aviv. Both were performing at Sidmouth International Folk Festival. I spent most of the week with the Israelis (a long story for another time) but was able to spend time with the Ukrainians. These young people were keeping alive their parents’ and grandparents’ traditional culture and were disgusted with the Soviet Union’s treatment of their dances and songs. Huge productions that were meant to “wow” the Leopold and present a particular vision to the West which, in terms of the Hopak at least, seems to have lived on until today.
The Hopak they danced was different…the steps handed down by their parents. The main spirit was of improvisation around, and including, certain steps…of course there was some choreography but not like that of the large Soviet troupes.
They taught, or tried to teach, me some of the traditional steps. I’m not up to those leaps and crouches are now beyond me.!
This an okay example but I think they are Ballet types. I could never kick quite that high! Nor Jump that high. And the women are not wearing the traditional red knee length boots!
What am I doing? Resetting the time on my blog. Will it show up an hour earlier than the Post?
Grannymar,
Whatever it is you’re on, I want some of it! 😆
Steph, What am I on? Freshly brewed coffee made by a fine young Toyboy! You better hurry up as I am about to drain the pot and climb the stairs…. all fourteen steps… properly! No more of this one up drag, one up drag.
Staying active, I see?! Good luck on the stairs.
Judy, by dinner time I might be able to add chasing Toyboys to the list! 😉
Come off it. You do not need to chase toyboys. They will, hoards of them, once they see that you are sans your crutches. Have a ball.
Kneeling? You’re allowed?
Ramana, which corner are they hiding at? I would hate them to jump out and frighten me. 😉
Marianna – I can do it, I have done it and I will find out on Thursday if I should have done it! 😆
Snoozing? Laughing? Chuckling? Giggling? Whistling? to add to your list….
I’m not giving you my list…that’s personal…. and I only have two out of three!!!!
I don’t see dancing on your list. Aren’t you practicing for our can-can?
She’s going to dance the Hopak!
Magpie – Laughing and giggling definitely but not so sure about snoozing and whistling.
Darlene – Serious lessons start on Monday for you and I with Magpie Choreographing us for the Hopak.
Brief. And to the point.
What’s the Hopak? I hope it’s a slow waltz. 🙂
Back in 1969 I was privileged to meet a group of Ukrainians from Manchester and a group of Israelis from Tel Aviv. Both were performing at Sidmouth International Folk Festival. I spent most of the week with the Israelis (a long story for another time) but was able to spend time with the Ukrainians. These young people were keeping alive their parents’ and grandparents’ traditional culture and were disgusted with the Soviet Union’s treatment of their dances and songs. Huge productions that were meant to “wow” the Leopold and present a particular vision to the West which, in terms of the Hopak at least, seems to have lived on until today.
The Hopak they danced was different…the steps handed down by their parents. The main spirit was of improvisation around, and including, certain steps…of course there was some choreography but not like that of the large Soviet troupes.
They taught, or tried to teach, me some of the traditional steps. I’m not up to those leaps and crouches are now beyond me.!
Leaps and crouches in the Hopak? I don’t think so, thank you very much. Shuffles and glides are more my dancing style.
Well the men’s steps are a bit athletic…. the women are a bit more gentle…
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6721215045279304461&ei=1pPoSpqSPISwrAOLx_3_Dg&q=hopak+dance&hl=en#
This an okay example but I think they are Ballet types. I could never kick quite that high! Nor Jump that high. And the women are not wearing the traditional red knee length boots!
Gaelikaa – I was having a busy few days.
Darlene – We might leave the Hopak to the Ukrainians for a few weeks yet. 😉
Magpie – I am not ready for the red knee high boots yet…. maybe next week! 🙄