Ukrainian and Slovak Folk Dance Melodies: Comparative Study

The article presents the author' attempt to analyze Ukrainian and Slovak folk dance melodies, to figure out its common and different characteristics. It was found that dance melodies are signs of very old, interconnected cultural ties between the Ukrainian and Slovak ethnic groups. On the basis of the analysis of the structure of musical texts, either common signs, characteristics which are typical for folk musical creativity, or degree of relatedness of cultural and mystical continuums, special features of its interplay and transformation are defined.The similarities of the Western Ukrainian (Lemkos, Hutsuls) dance melodies with Slovak motifs (for example, "Oh Marichko, chicheri" and the Slovak polka, or the Slovak folk song) have been continually observed. Also interweaving of melodies typical for Central Ukrainian territories and the Slovak continuum is stated. The Ukrainian folk music and dance rhythm design is based on a square theme structure with the rhythm two-four time or four-four time. Slovak folk dance melodies differ from Ukrainian ones mainly in tempo: it is more restrained and moderate. The largest number of similar elements was recorded in polka. In addition, in both cultures musical design (accompaniment) often is analogous: cymbals, violin, button accordion, other folk music instruments. The number of common signs is impressively larger than different ones, and it is a big deal to make separation of the specifics of dance compositions musical accompaniment of two cultures, and at the same time it confirms the closest proximity, deep connections between them.In general, the problem of relationships and contacts between the choreographic cultures of the peoples of neighboring countries is one of the most interesting and least explored today. The fact that there is mutual influence at the level of folk dance tunes, today is not the point for discussion.