Figure 1.--These Russians boys performed a folk dance at an outdoor concert om Victory Day, now commonly xalled Great Patriotic War Remebrance Day (May 9, 2009).

There are a variety of dance styles popular in Russia. Russian boys for some reason are more interested in participating in dance than boys in the West. I am not sure just why that is. I think perhaps the arts have more cache in Russia than the West. Also popular values are likely to manifest themselves in the democratic West--an interesting phonomenon in thst the Soviet Uniin was susposed to be a state dominated by the proleteriat. Russia is particularly noted for ballet, of course a dance of French origins. Interestingly the Soviets effectively trained dancers of amazing capability. Many of their most talented dancers, however, complained of the restrictions of the state operated institutiins on their pergeormances. Several high profile dancers defected to the West. While the Russians are best known for their contributions to ballet, there are other forms of dance in which boys participate. Russian folk dancing is also popular, although at this time we know very little about it. The children perform in brightly colored peasant style costumes.