PROJECT DETAILS
CHOREOGRAPHER: Roman Mykyta
COMPOSER: Traditional
PREMIERE: January 8, 2015 | Soul of Ukraine, Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis, MD | Performed by Дух Танцю – Spirit of the Dance Ukrainian Folk Ballet and Gerdan–Kaleidoscope of World Music
CAST: 1 Woman, 1 Man
RUN TIME: 4 minutes
SYNOPSIS:
Hutsul Suite is a concert medley celebrating the vibrant dance traditions of Ukraine’s Hutsul region in the Carpathian Mountains. Drawing together characteristic rhythms, movement vocabulary, and musical styles, the choreography presents a lively portrait of one of Ukraine’s most distinctive regional cultures.
Created for two dancers, the suite showcases the athleticism, musicality, and expressive vitality that define Hutsul folk dance. Spirited footwork, dynamic partnering, and changing musical character combine to capture the exuberant energy and enduring traditions of the Ukrainian highlands.
THE HUTSUL REGION
Nestled in Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains, the Hutsul region is renowned for its rich artistic traditions, distinctive music, colorful dress, and highly energetic dances.
BACKGROUND & INSPIRATION
MUSIC AND DANCE
Hutsul dance is characterized by intricate footwork, lively rhythms, improvisatory spirit, and close relationships between dancers and musicians.
A CONCERT SUITE
Rather than presenting a single traditional dance, this choreography brings together several Hutsul-inspired musical and movement ideas into a concise stage work.