Hopak (Ukrainian: Гопак, also referred to as Gopak after the Russian transliteration) is a Ukrainian folk dance. It is performed by amateurs, professional Ukrainian dance ensembles as well as other performers of folk dances.
The Hopak is popularly referred to as the "national dance of Ukraine," although this is not an official designation.
Etymology
editThe name Hopak is derived from the verb hopaty (Ukrainian: гопати), which means "to jump"; the corresponding exclamation Hop! uttered during a jump.
in 2/4 time and the corresponding musical style.
The dance is performed mainly by men and includes much high-energy moves: jumps (hence the name), squat-kicks, whirling, and acrobatics. In scenic versions the overall composition usually includes parts of group dance and of solo show-offs (jamming).