Stepovyi, Oleksa

Ukraine’ki narodni tantsi: etnohrafichnyi narys [Ukrainian Folk Dances: An Ethnographic Essay]

Augsburg: Naklad “Rekord”, 1946. Illustrated wrappers. Item #810

Book measures: 14.5 x 21 cm. 31 pages: illustrations. Text in Ukrainian; captions in Ukrainian, English and German. Cover design by V. Zalutsky. Photographs by B. Soluk. Staging by Yevgenia Andrukhovych. Translated into English and German by Dr. Yuriy (Georgij) Cherny. Issued with approval of UNRRA. A fair copy with light wear to the wrappers.

In the author's preface, it is highlighted that dance has a profound and ancient history, possibly being the oldest form of folk art. Its roots trace back to ancient Greece, where rhythmic body movements were used as an artistic means to convey emotions. The Greeks embraced dance, incorporating it into various aspects of their society, from military parades to lively Bacchic celebrations. During the Renaissance in Europe (15th-16th centuries), dance experienced significant growth and became accessible to the general public. Every nation developed its unique dances, often tied to cultural customs and rituals, including distinctive drinking dances. Ukraine, known for having one of the oldest Slavic cultures, boasts a rich and original dance tradition. Ukrainian folk dances harmonize with the spirit and temperament of its people. These dances are intricately woven into the fabric of customs throughout the year, forming an integral part of folk traditions. The study of Ukrainian folk dances is contextualized within the ritual cycle. The dances presented in this publication provide only a glimpse of the extensive repertoire crafted over generations. The author extends heartfelt thanks to Yevgenia Andrukhovych, an expert in Ukrainian folk dances, for her invaluable assistance in gathering material for this work.

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