Kolomyika

Kolomyjka (Template:Lang-uk; also referred to as kolomeyka or kolomeike) is a folk dance especially popular in the western part of Ukraine. It originated in the East Galician town of Kolomyia. It was historically popular among Poles, Ukrainians and Jews, and as such it also exists in current-day klezmer music, where it is usually transcribed into English as "Kolomeike."

Kolomyjkas are still danced in Ukraine, as a tradition on certain holidays, during festivities, or simply for fun. In Ukraine's rural west, they are popular dances for weddings.

In North America, the kolomyjka is primarily a social dance. Participants form a circle, joining hands. The dance begins with the participants turning the circle, usually counter clockwise, then clockwise. Further into the dance, soloists will perform in the centre of the circle.

See also