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. We are not sure just why that is. 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 Union was susposed to be a state dominated by the proleteriat. Russia is particularly noted for ballet, of course a dance of French origins. This meant children playing roles in classical balet before advancing o major adult parts. We note a recent balet created to showcase childhood (2021). According o the creators, "After a one-year hiatus, and in just a few rehearsals, the School Years Ensemble prepared the program "60 Years of Dancing Childhood," dedicated to the ensemble's 60th anniversary!" One of the presentations was ' Children's Polka'. Interestingly the Soviets effectively trained dancers of amazing capability. Nore Russian children, especially the boys, seem inteestedin dance than in any other country. We are not sure why this was. Perhaps thos indicate thatbthe Soviet satatehas an enormous ability tomshape behavior andvthinking, especially of children. 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.