Theatricality of Russian folk dance

The article explores the theatricality of Russian folk dance and the principles of its formation within the choreographic culture of Russia. The aim of the research is to identify the fundamental principles underlying the theatricality of Russian folk dance. The article examines the development of Russian folk choreographic culture from its origins to the present day as a professional theatrical art form. The scientific novelty of the study lies in examining the historical evolutionary path of Russian folk dance, from its inception to its establishment on the theatrical stage, identifying specific stages in the development of national folk choreography as a professional art. The findings, based on the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships, indicate that Russian folk dance – inherently theatrical in nature – gradually absorbed the characteristics of performing arts throughout its long developmental history. This process led to a shift in the focus of the dramaturgy, vocabulary, choreographic patterns, and formations of folk dance; consequently, Russian dance as a whole began to be structured within the stage space based on theatrical principles.