PULS PODDUKELSK SONG AND DANCE ENSEMBLE (PREŠOV): THE SPIRITUAL CULTURE PRESERVATION OF RUTHENIANS AND UKRAINIANS OF EASTERN SLOVAKIA

• Main Author: Olha Fabryka-Protska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts 2020-07-01
• Series: Вісник КНУКіМ: Серія Мистецтвознавство
• Subjects: ансамбль пісні й танцю; «puls»; українці; русини; виконавство; музичний фольклор; духовна культура; культурна ідентичність; східна словаччина
• Online Access: http://arts-series-knukim.pp.ua/article/view/207656

The purpose of the study is to reveal the history of the formation and artistic achievements of the professional song and dance ensemble “PULS” (Poddukelský umelecký ľudový súbor) (Prešov, Slovakia) in the context of the cultural identity of its participants. The research methodology is a combination of methods of cognition, due to the requirements of objective analysis of historical, art and cultural sources, reflecting the main trends in the development and functioning of the cultural and artistic life of the ethnic population of Prešov region in the second half of the 20th – early 21st century. The study used a set of methods: descriptive; theoretical; informative; observations, interviews and generalizations. Scientific novelty. Having covered the performance biography of the professional art ensemble from Prešov (Eastern Slovakia), we have defined the main trends in preserving elements of authenticity, invented folklore (folklorism), the use of art synthesis (choreographic, theatrical, musical, vocal), and the process of Slovakisation of the modern culture of Ruthenian-Ukrainians. It has been found that the dance of the ensemble members is embodied in a stylized or authentic form while performing the following functions: 1) dance as a connecting element between the scenes of the performance; 2) the combination of different folk dances into significant dance episodes as separate pictures of the performance; 3) the dance is a background of the performance for creating a historical epoch, a more striking general impression or adaptation. Conclusions. The share of popularization of Ukrainian folklore, which was the basis of the ideology and repertoire of the ensemble since its inception, today, unfortunately, is declining. Instead, the song and dance ensemble “PULS” focuses mainly on the ritual traditions of the Ruthenians and Slovaks, as well as the song and dance folklore of neighbouring countries. The ensemble’s works are an organic combination of various genres (musical-game, operetta, variety performances, sometimes so-called hybrid genres), synthesis of folklore – acting, musical (vocal and instrumental) and choreographic art based on professionalism.