Ukraine’s Kazaky dancing their way to freedom.
Posted: February 27, 2012 Filed under: Ukraine | Tags: Dance And Change, Kazaky Leave a commentEver wondered what the Pussycat Dolls would be like if they were an all-male troupe and from Eastern Europe? No? Me either. But the comparison did pop into mind when I recently discovered the Ukranian dance group Kazaky. And that’s not what makes them interesting. They are quite famous for breaking the conventional gender rules of dancing and seem to have no qualms about combining both male and female aesthetics in their choreography and the result is quite spellbinding. Check out their latest epic music video Dance And Change:
That does dispell some notions on what ‘male’ or ‘female’ dancing is, doesn’t it? However, beyond the flashy moves and electro pop tunes, I believe it also makes a bold statement on sexuality itself and how one is free to express and conduct themselves any way they want. Kazaky goes beyond being an edgy dance troupe by using the medium of dance as an expression of freedom and tolerance. And in an intolerant country where such a freedom is not permitted, they get big props.
Doesn’t mean you’ll see me on the dance floor sporting a pair of high heels though. My sense of balance is way off for that.
Wild Dances, Wild Gymnastics!
Posted: November 11, 2011 Filed under: Ukraine | Tags: Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2011, Jordyn Wieber, Ruslana, Tokyo, USA Gymnastics, Wild Dances Leave a commentMusic from the Eurovision Song Contest can turn up in the most surprising and unexpected of places, and none more so than the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2011 in Tokyo. American gymnastics champion Jordyn Wieber has famously used Ukraine’s winning song from 2004, Ruslana’s Wild Dances as the music for her floor routine. Check it out below:
What an explosion of energy! The song was made for some serious moves on the dance floor and now on the gymnastics floor as well! Watch the original routine on the Eurovision stage here. For me, it is always a welcome a surprise to find that the Eurovision Song Contest has made an impact on people beyond the Eurofan community.
Right then, I’m off to pump up Wild Dances and cavort about in the living room. Cheers!