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Alexandra Tomalonis
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The Don Cossacks of Rostov

By Alexandra Tomalonis -
Special to The Washington Post
November 9, 1999

It wasn’t surprising that the men of the Don Cossacks of Rostov could jump twice their height and spin upside down on their heads. Exuberant, athletic dancing is as much part of our image of Cossacks as is their military costume: bloused trousers tucked in boots; a long, belted tunic; and either a cap or a tall, furry hat.

What made this company stand out among the usual “day in the life of a folk village” troupes was the elegance of that dancing, and the subtle sophistication of the entire show. The company, directed by Anatoly Kvasov and presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall Sunday afternoon, combined song, dance and a rambunctiously colorful costume party in a tautly directed performance that never lagged and never disappointed.

The Don Cossacks combine popular and traditional songs and dances to portray a culture centered around soldiering. Going off to war, happiness with military duties, and commemoration of battles and rebellions are as prominent as the more universal courtship dances. One number, “The Cossacks Were Guaranteed in Billetts,” might be an ancient example of spin: in this version, the villagers get to choose which soldier each has the privilege of housing and feeding.

The warrior dances -- think “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” times three, with swords -- are wild, short, intense and stunning, each man having a virtuosic “trick” no one can better. These dances are used sparingly, like pungent spices. The heart of the program is the songs of sadness and parting, sung with the clear, sweet tones that characterizes Russian choral as well as folk music; deftly performed comic sketches of daily village life; and songs and dance games celebrating love and nature.

All these soldiers have to have someone worthwhile to come home to, and the Don Cossacks’ young women are saucy as well as charming, and audacious flirts. They look their men in the eye, toss their kerchiefed heads, and dance with small, quick footwork and some impressive turns of their own.