As part of the XXVI International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar-2017", a regional folk dance tournament was held

Over 70 couples aged from 16 to 30, 30 to 50, and over 50 from different parts of the Vitebsk region took part in the regional folk dance tournament. Belarusian dance art, presented in the form of folk amateur stage dance, once again proved that the original culture is returning to the self-awareness of the residents of the Vitebsk region.

- The tournament among dance groups is being held for the first time as part of the "Slavianski Bazaar," and this is symbolic because the International Festival itself is a union of creative forces from culturally close countries and the revival of the cultural heritage of the Slavic peoples," says Veronika Khomback, chairperson of the jury, director of the Lepel Children's Art School, and head of the Honored Amateur Collective of the Republic of Belarus, the folklore ensemble "Zemlianichki." - Just like in general, the entire Belarusian dance culture is being revived, which we are striving to bring back into the daily life of modern people.

- The abundance of repertoire and the ability to dance as many Belarusian dances as possible are not the most important components of the tournament. The main thing is the mood and the pleasure that both the dancers and the spectators received," adds Elena Sabirova, chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Organization of the Trade Union of Workers of Culture, Information, Sports and Tourism.

Everything was important in the tournament: costume, etiquette, and, of course, music. In total, the competition featured about two dozen dances performed by couples and soloists. These included well-known dances such as "Lyavonikha," "Polka Impravisavanaya," "Lysy," "Nochka," as well as lesser-known dances like "Subota," "Bazar," "Padespan," and "Kaketka."

The folk folklore theater "Tiareshka" from Glubokoye, one of the most famous collectives in the Vitebsk region, masterfully revealed new facets of unique Belarusian dance through its special language of dance and deservedly took 1st place in the nomination "Best Choreographic Staging Based on Belarusian Folklore Material."

The Grand Prix winners were representatives of creative collectives from the Liozno district. Couples from Vitebsk, Vitebsk, and Gorodok districts were recognized as winners (laureates of the I degree) in different age categories.

- The interest in Belarusian dance is growing, and the large number of participants is evidence of this, - said Igor Gorbunov, a teacher of choreographic disciplines at the Vitebsk State College of Arts, summing up the results. - This year, many representatives from the remote areas of the region gathered, and there were also many couples from the regional center. This is also pleasing, as there is a risk of losing the dance in urban conditions. But we see the opposite: interest in it is growing, and townspeople are also finding joy and pleasure in dances and parties. This is not surprising, as traditional dance has a positive effect on both people's health and mood.

Elena Ustinova, press service of the FPB for the Vitebsk region.