Ukrainian Folk Dance Workshop: Reclaiming Collective Movement as a Decolonial Practice
16.08.2025 , Zelt 9: Anti-Imperialistische Vernetzung ZELT 1

Maria Mahalnyk will teach how to dance Ukrainian historical dances that were recorded during ethnological expeditions in Ukraine. These are social dances that were danced by ordinary people on holidays and gatherings. They help people get to know each other, find friendship or love. They also give a sense of unity to the dancing group. In the 20th century, during the Soviet occupation, these dances were mixed with ballet. Thus, the people could no longer dance them, and Ukrainian dance was isolated to the point where only professional dancers could dance on stage. That's why she considers it her mission to tell people about Ukrainian historical folk dances, which are easy and can be danced by the common people.


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Maria Mahalnyk will lead a participatory workshop on traditional Ukrainian folk dances - social dances rooted in everyday life, community, and celebration. The session revives forms that were nearly lost through Soviet cultural erasure, making them accessible again to all.

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unlimited

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Movement history does not play a role in the contribution.

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English

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B1: Advanced language

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No.

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No specific aim

Resistance Connections UA is a Berlin-based activist group committed to material and political solidarity with anti-authoritarian, feminist, and left-wing forces in Ukraine and beyond. Formed in response to the normalization of Ukrainian erasure within the German left, we work to confront russian imperialism as an ongoing colonial formation - and to resist the geopolitical distortions that flatten struggles for liberation into competing state allegiances. As co-organizers of the anti-imperialist tent, we aim to hold space for situated, plural, and non-campist solidarities - politicizing what has been silenced, and refusing empire in all its forms.

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