The Don Cossacks Dance Ensemble? фантастический!
Oh well, its finally Sunday again, back to the books tomorrow... But of all Sundays - today has been pretty good! Now, my Russian is limited to 'da', 'nyet' and 'vodka' (said in a russian accent) so I'm trusting the internet translator that the russian bit up the top means something along the lines of 'fantastic!' (which it probably doesn't) - but assuming no one here can read russian I'm gonna say it again - фантастический!
As you can hopefully tell by now, I've been to see russian dancers at the Regal. And may I just say that I didn't know people could be that flexible! The troop was made up of around 8 men (sadly all in their 40's) and about 8-10 women who threw themselves around a stage for a good two hours, only broken up by two of the women who found it necessary to break into song every-so-often. To quote the broschure - "Their costumes [were] exquisitely intricate... A Sensational stage show! Breathtaking timing and accuracy..."
My favourite parts included:
1. the guys who grabbed their swords, held them at arms length and proceeded to jump over
them (both legs, tucking their knees under their chins!)
2. the swords themselves (they sparked when hit!!)
3. and the crazy kicking/jumping moves that are typical of russian dancers everywhere.
But what I most want to talk about is the two singers - ah, the singers.It was quite funny really, after every two or so dance numbers two women would come onto stage (after the interval, to much sighing and whispers of 'oh please no!') and sing a nice Russian folk song. Now, I'm not saying that they were terrible singers or anything (nor do I have anything against folk songs -ahem-), but seriously, the noises were unnecessary. I’m guessing it’s a cultural thing, but as the troop danced (and sang) they did tend to make noises. Let me give you an example: the men would jump around and yell “hargh!” (except for one who would whistle – almightly hell was it loud… another thing I want to learn to do), the women would make high pitched “heeyarh” noises, and the two singers would make something similar to a dog-like “yoop” (less ‘ye’, more ‘oo’). Dear oh dear, accordions, pipes, drums and “yoops” – I think I’m all “folked” out…There were a lot of good characters in there however – but when I say characters, I of course just mean actual people. For example, the guy who wore his Russian hat at a jaunty angle (Russian? Jaunty? Surely not!), the guy with the skeasy mustache and the very pretty, very doll-like girl who could spin really fast in a crouch (scary).
Considering this, I have hereafter decided that I would like to be a Russian dancer - but sadly don't think that I'm cut out for it... Every time I try to do the kicking move I can hear my knees make that graunching, gristle crunching, "if you do that again I'm going to amputate myself" noise.
Hmm, not good.
But on the upside, I did buy a Babushka! Yup, one of those little wooden dolls filled with more little wooden dolls (hmmm...). She’s really very cool and I choose to believe that she was made in Russia, so I’m feeling quite good about it all really.
Right right right right. I have to go do some German study now because it is after 830 and I have a test tomorrow.
Wish me luck,
And if you ever get a chance to see the Cossacks, ignore the phenomenally high ticket prices and go see them!!!
C.
