In response to the video on Russian folk dancing, I find that intentionality is significant in both  performances. With the distinct attention to details, these performances highlight different aspects of Russian culture and ideology. Specifically, I’d like to draw attention to the ways in which the separation of genders, clothing, and choreography are used to reinforce their purpose in portraying aspects of Russian life.

First, I’d like to focus on the lighthearted, energetic, and uplifting tone of both performances. With the accompaniment of interchanging musical arrangements and dances, there is a heightened sense of precision and  correlation enjoyed by the spectator. In this level of  attention for detail, the choreography and costume design highlight the aesthetic reciprocality and symmetry of such performances by male and female performers. The overall intent  to provide entertainment and joy for the spectator is accomplished in this way.

Additionally,  both performances begin with the separation of genders to illuminate the progression of love, which in itself, brings about an air of lightheartedness and energy. The collective and individual dances of the performers build upon the theme of love by alluding to  courtship. This is most evident when a male or female performer goes among the other sex  and dances elaborately– gaining their attention before returning to their group. As the performances continue, the separation of men and women is broken and replaced with female and male performers linking arms and dancing together to show collective unity– which could be further interpreted as the fulfillment of love.

As for clothing, the use of bright, elaborately designed garments further accentuates the tones of lightheartedness,  providing visual entertainment for the spectator. The use of color also differentiates the genders, as women wear similarly colored dresses with few variations, as is the same for men.

Lastly, in the last minutes of the performance by the second dance group, the eye for perfection is most notable in the flawlessness of the choreography of both female and male groups. This impeccability further adds to the visual spectacle of the performance. In these ways,  Russian folk dances have purpose in showing varying levels of Russian ideology and culture.