Hopak as Resistance

Hopak is a Ukrainian folk dance that originated in the 16th century among the Zaparochian Cossacks. Hopak derives its name from the verb “hopaty” to hop, to jump. The Dance is structured around complex acrobatic skills: jumps, leaps and turns in the air and on the ground. It was practiced among the Ukrainian warriors as a competitive martial art that required energy, speed, strength and resilience. Over time, the dance evolved into the dance that is choreographed and performed on theater stages as a national dance of Ukraine. Hopak is considered to be one of the most difficult dances in the world.

On February 24, 2022 Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is the biggest ongoing war in Europe since WWII. Because of the courage of Ukrainian people and Ukrainian armed forces, Ukraine is still standing. This exhibition is an attempt to celebrate life, movement and dance. Dance as a resistance against imperialism, destruction and killing. It's a fight against russian fascism, that is trying to completely destroy and erase Ukraine, its people and culture. This body of paintings is an invitation to viewers to stand with Ukraine and to hop to the roots of Ukrainian dance. Dance Dance Dance with Ukraine!