Koreografi svijeta priznaju hopak, ukrajinski narodni ples, kao najteži narodni ples. U energičnom i živopisnom događaju sudjeluju muškarci i žene. Međutim, muška uloga ostaje glavna. Hopak je ples za grupu, par. Solo plesanje hopaka nije moguće.

Povijest narodnog plesa: odakle je nastao hopak?

Smatra se da se hopak kao sustav ritualnih pokreta izvodio još u davna vremena od strane volhva, ili svećenika. U doba kozaka na području Ukrajine, hopak je postao ratnički ples. Istraživači kažu da se hopak koristio kao sustav obuke mladih kozaka. U kozačku vojsku se moglo pristupiti nakon obuke. Osim vladanja oružjem, zahtijevala se i dobra fizička kondicija, sposobnost plesa i sviranja glazbenih instrumenata. Iz povijesnih dokumenata poznato je da su se pokreti slični plesnim pokretima koristili od strane kozaka u borbi.

Koja je posebnost ukrajinskog hopaka?

Kao što smo rekli gore, hopak je ples-demonstracija snage, spretnosti, fleksibilnosti. Muška i ženska uloga, dodana u moderno vrijeme, izvode se naizmjenično. Pri tome je ženska uloga lirskija. Muškarci izvode složene skokove i okrete, hodaju u čučnju. Istaknuti i najteži pokreti ovog plesa su: pauk, kada plesač prelazi pozornicu stojeći na rukama na leđima i izbacujući noge naprijed; i špaga u zraku.

Moderni ukrajinski hopak

Naravno, od vremena kozaka, hopak se mijenjao. Moderni oblik plesa s dodanom ženskom ulogom stvoren je u 20. stoljeću posebno za pozornicu. Scenski kostimi plesača uključuju tradicionalne elemente, poput vezene košulje, prsluka, suknje i širokih hlača.

Borbeni hopak

Zanimljivo je da se hopak preporodio i kao borilačka vještina. To je sustav fizičkog i vrijednosnog odgoja za djecu i odrasle, sličan brazilskoj capoeiri ili krav magi iz Izraela.

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What do you know about the most difficult folk dance – the Ukrainian hopak?

Choreographers around the world recognize the hopak as the most difficult folk dance. Both men and women participate in the energetic and vibrant performance. However, the male part remains the main one. The hopak is a dance for a group or a couple. It is impossible to dance the hopak solo.

Dance history: where did the hopak come from?

It is believed that the hopak, as a system of ritual movements, was performed in ancient times by volkhvs, or priests. During the time of the Cossacks in Ukraine, the hopak became a martial dance. Researchers say that the hopak was used as a training system for young Cossacks. One could join the Cossack army after training. And in addition to weapon proficiency, good physical condition, the ability to dance, and play musical instruments were also required. Historical documents show that movements similar to dance movements were used by the Cossacks in battle.

What is special about the hopak?

As we said above, the hopak is a dance-demonstration of strength, agility, and flexibility. The male and female parts, added in modern times, are performed in turn. At the same time, the female part is more lyrical. Men perform complex jumps and spins, and squat. Notable and the most difficult movements of this dance are: the spider, when the dancer moves across the stage standing on their hands face up and throwing their legs forward; and the splits in the air.

Modern hopak

Of course, the hopak has changed since the Cossack era. The modern form of the dance with the added female part was created in the 20th century specifically for the stage. The stage costumes of the dancers include traditional elements such as embroidered shirts (vyshyvanka), vests (kersetka), wrap skirts (plakhta), and wide trousers (sharovary).

Combat hopak

Interestingly, the hopak has also been revived as a martial art. It is a system of physical and value education for children and adults, similar to Brazilian capoeira or Israeli krav maga.