The Russian State Kuban Cossack Dance Company performs at the Artscape
Russia's oldest folk chorus and dance company, The Russian State Kuban Cossack Dance Company, performs at Artscape Theatre from September 2. This 200 year-old Company's history goes back to 1811. They started off as a military choir within the Kuban Cossack Army and mainly performed during religious services in churches. The Company soon expanded their repertoire and gave secular stage performances with classical pieces and folk songs.
From 1974 the Cossack Company has been under the artistic leadership of Victor G. Zakharchenko. He was the one who brought the essence of Cossack life into the Company's performing style through use of folkloric songs collected from the Cossack settlements of the Kuban Province, and, brilliant and dynamic dances that showed the virtuoso technique of the Cossacks, who use traditional weaponry: rifles, sabers, daggers, spears and even cannons, to make the choreographic compositions especially spectacular.
Their spectacular costumes and expressive dance style have enchanted crowds worldwide and now South African audiences will be able to see them countrywide from August 28 and 30 (Pretoria State Theatre), September 2 - 5 (Cape Town, Artscape Theatre), September 8 & 9 (Port Elizabeth), September 10 & 11 (East London), September 15 (Sasolburg), September 17 - 20 (Johannesburg Emperor's Palace).
