Hopak

Hopak (Ukrainian: Гопа́к, IPA: [ɦoˈpɑk]), also referred to as Gopak or Cossack dance, is a Ukrainian dance. It is performed most often as a solitary concert dance by amateur and professional Ukrainian dance ensembles, as well as other performers of folk dances. It has also been incorporated into larger artistic opuses such as operas and ballets.

The Hopak is often popularly referred to as the "National Dance of Ukraine". There are similar folkloric dance tunes known as Sirmpa in Leros Greece.

Etymology

The name hopak is derived from the verb hopaty (Ukrainian: гопати) which means "to jump," as well as the corresponding exclamation hop! (Ukrainian: гоп) which can be uttered during a jump as an expression of surprise or amazement.

History

The Hopak originated in southern Russia and Ukrainian military communities in the 1600s.

The Hopak developed initially as a Kozak social dance (Ukrainian: побyтовi танці, translit. pobutovi tantsi), and was practiced in the lands of present-day Ukraine beginning in the 16th century. While the fortified Kozak Sich generally frowned upon amusements and diversions from military training, such regulations were overlooked when Kozaks returned victorious after battle. Kobzars and other musicians would gather their instruments - violins, bagpipes, cimbaloms, and fifes - while other participants would dance.