Free spirits and strong legs

The Cossacks have mastered an array of potentially injurious manoeuvres.

Who would have thought the Don Cossacks Dance Ensemble could be the theatrical equivalent of Botox?

Two hours after taking your seat you will you feel "20 years younger", says artistic director Igor Levine, on the eve of the troupe's national tour.

"I enjoy the very huge energy," he says, explaining that this comes from a combination of their acrobatic dance moves and vibrant costumes.

For the uninitiated, Cossack dancing conjures up a cliched image of a moustached Russian kicking alternate legs from a squatting position and yelling "Hey!" - a sprightly feat that can lead to a bruised tailbone if attempted by an amateur.

But the Cossacks have mastered an array of potentially injurious manoeuvres, incorporating wild brandishes of the sword and leaps that send the dancers flying above the stage, all performed to traditional Cossack music.

The dance represents the life of the Cossack community as it was in their villages along the southern frontier of Russia, a free-spirited folk culture that began in the 15th century initially to defend Russia from the Tartar raids.

Levine says it is the strength and independence of the Cossack people that allows the body to meet the physically demanding performance.

"The dance is like a small picture about life."

Before arriving in New Zealand, the 16-strong dance troupe of men and women spent May touring the United States.

They formed in 1999 when a small group of Russian dancers performed in the US with a national touring company, then decided they wanted to remain in the country, eventually moving to Denver.

They are led by Sergey Shadioun, a former member of the Red Army Song and Dance Company of Moscow, who invited musicians and additional dancers from Russia to join.

All of the performers have been classically trained in Russia in dance or in their instrument.

"The Cossacks are a very interesting people," says Levine.

"They live 200 years not in Russia. They have never been down, they are always up, they have their own culture.

"You cannot miss this show."

The Don Cossacks are in Dunedin to Whangarei from June 16 to 30; then ASB Theatre, Auckland, July 1; Founders Theatre, Hamilton, July 2. Bookings at Ticketek.