Ukrainian folk dance

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Hopak is a Ukrainian folk dance originating as a male dance among the Zaporozhian Cossacks, later danced by couples, and mixed groups of dancers. The Hopak developed initially as a Cossack social dance, and was practiced in the lands of present-day Ukraine beginning in the 16th century. While the militaristic Zaporozhian Sich generally frowned upon amusements and diversions from military training, such regulations were overlooked when Kozaks returned victorious after battle. Kobzars and other musicians would gather their instruments - violins, bagpipes, bandura, cimbaloms, and fifes - while other participants would dance.

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