On our tours of Bratislava to admire the beauty of the Blue Church, we often pass through Sturova Street, which was built in the second half of the 19th century to connect the historic city center with the first permanent bridge in Bratislava, now known as the Old Bridge (Stary most). On this street, we can find many charming Art Nouveau and Neo-style buildings, including several noble palaces. However, one building stands out for another reason: it houses an artistic ensemble that embodies Slovak national traditions and cultural heritage – our pride and joy: the Slovak National Folklore Ballet Lucnica.
Lucnica was founded in 1948 by a group of young enthusiasts and consists of three components: a dance group, a singing group, and the Zlate Husle (Golden Violin) orchestra. In this post, we will focus on the dance group, highlighting how their performances showcase the beauty of Slovak national traditions, folk customs, music, dances, costumes, and more. Lucnica’s repertoire is as varied as the costumes themselves, which are characterized by great diversity. Each region has its own distinct patterns, decorations, embroideries, headgear, and so on. The dances and choreographies are also numerous. Here, we will introduce at least three of our favourites:
“Vitanie jari”, translated as “Welcoming Spring” is a ceremonial women’s dance that has its origins in ancient Slavic customs. It symbolizes the ceremonial welcoming of spring. During the dance, the performers use various props, such as branches and flowers, to represent the awakening of nature. The lives of our ancestors were intricately linked with natural cycles. The magical atmosphere is further enhanced by a typical musical backdrop: a song, the lyrics of which can be translated for Slovak non-speakers to: “We bring you a new summer, a new summer, and a green grove, and a green grove, Give us, give us, give us good luck, give us good luck It will go to the trees from that flower, from that flower, hold on until the summer, hold on until the summer…” How can you best imagine this unique spectacle? By watching it!
Another favourite of ours is “Odzemok”. The name is derived from the words “od zeme,” which means “From the Ground.” Why? Because the dancer jumps high above the ground while performing specific squatting and jumping movements, twisting props above their head and under their feet, often passing them from hand to hand or to other dancers. This male dance, known as the dance of the “mountain boys”, can be performed solo or in groups. Historically, its main performers were shepherds, Wallachians, and bandits. A key element of odzemok is the “valaska” (pronounced “wallashka”), a specific axe that is often beautifully hand-decorated and multifunctional, serving various purposes, including as a weapon. This is why it is sometimes referred to as a weapon dance. (By the way, our national hero, Juraj Janosik, similar to “Slovak Robin Hood,” also carried a valaska, but we will discuss his story another time).
The last dance included in our selection is “Vyhadzovana”, translated as the “Tossing Dance.” This old-style couple dance features a man and a woman dancing together, characterized by the tossing of the partner. In a close hold, the male dancer throws the female dancer into the air by kneeling or sitting on his hip, thigh, or shoulder during the jump. The dance serves an entertaining function, requiring no significant props, but due to the typical gradation of music and tempo, it is extremely popular with the audience. It simply radiates joy and vitality!
Of course, none of these videos can replace the real experience of witnessing it with your own eyes. So, if you have the opportunity to see a live performance of Lucnica, don’t hesitate for a moment! We highly recommend this experience, as you will leave enchanted, with your spirit rejuvenated and uplifted!