The beginnings of Yakutia, a Siberian republic in the Russian Federation, can be traced back to the nomadic, reindeer-herding Evenks who inhabited the areas of the Lena river basin. In time they were joined by Turkic-speaking shepherd tribes who arrived from Angara and Baikal and, having mixed with the autochthonous people, gave rise to the ethnogenesis of the Yakuts. The 17th century brought annexation of these lands by Russians, who set about Christianising the Yakuts. Nevertheless Russia has not been able to wipe out the Yakut ethnic and cultural identity based on, among others, traditional, shamanic beliefs. The Yakuts have managed to preserve their heritage through manifold activities undertaken in the field of folklore so rich in magical incantations and trance-like, rhythmical dances. Also, the Yakut closeness with nature and tundra wildlife has not dissipated in the face of the encroaching modern civilisation.
“Kytalyk” folk dance ensemble was established in the village of Maya in 1979 to present the spiritual beauty of the Yakuts and to promote the Sakha tradition.
At the Festival the ensemble will present the following dances: yakutskie uzory, deti alaasa, dierenkay (a dance of joy at sunrise), zhavoronki (skylarks meeting spring), tanets oleney (a reindeer’s dance), dykhanie severa (the breath of the north), perviy sneg (the first snow), as well as a medley of songs, melodies and instrumental pieces.
Grigorieva Aytalina is the ensemble leader, instructor and choreographer. The band will be playing a khomus (a Jew’s harp), a tantsyr (a stringed instrument similar to a Russian domra), a kylysakh (a stringed instrument) and a bayan (an accordion).
“Kytalyk” folk dance ensemble was established in the village of Maya in 1979 to present the spiritual beauty of the Yakuts and to promote the Sakha tradition.
At the Festival the ensemble will present the following dances: yakutskie uzory, deti alaasa, dierenkay (a dance of joy at sunrise), zhavoronki (skylarks meeting spring), tanets oleney (a reindeer’s dance), dykhanie severa (the breath of the north), perviy sneg (the first snow), as well as a medley of songs, melodies and instrumental pieces.
Grigorieva Aytalina is the ensemble leader, instructor and choreographer. The band will be playing a khomus (a Jew’s harp), a tantsyr (a stringed instrument similar to a Russian domra), a kylysakh (a stringed instrument) and a bayan (an accordion).