On Ivan Kupala’s night
Besides the traditionl rites during the holiday (passing through “Kupala purification”, starting bonfires and round dancing, jumping over a bonfire, purification with Kupala healing herbs) guests took part in training sessions on folk dances. These training sessions were given by the dancers from the capital club of traditional dancing “CITA”. According to the words of the participants of this club, demand for folk dances among the Belarusians is rather high. Free lessons are given all over the country to teach these dances to people. This is not by accident, as the current generation, who haven’t seen folk rites in their authentic form, are trying to understand the history of our district thanks to such events.
Tatsyana and Sergey (dance club “CITA”):
“That’s not important whether we dance at ritual holidays or at city festivals, passers-by join us. Thus our group grows. And I once joined the group in such a way”.
“We dance the dances that our ancestors used to dance. We remake some dances gearing them to modern trends. Folk dancing is our culture. I believe it should be saved and popularized among the Belarusians. Some people are fond of Eastern dances, but there are those who are interested in Belarusian folk dances. It's nothing to be surprised at”.
In spite of the fact that traditions to celebrate Kupalye are buried in oblivion, today this holiday is celebrated with a modern approach. This is proved by the fact that at the ritual holiday in Zalesye apart from folk songs and dances you could be delighted with the performances of the musicians from the capital cover band “Hit- Parade Band” and from Postavy band “Miss TerrA”. For young people flashmob was organized and showed there. For those who like extremal performances the organizers prepared fire spinning. The holiday was brought to an end by the night disco.
Darya:
“Probably the holiday we took part in today is different from Kupalye of the previous days. But nevertheless, you can feel its atmosphere. That’s why I want to come here every year and enjoy myself”.
Sergey Yurevich
Photo: by author