SOCIAL DANCE SCHOOLS AS A CENTER OF CHOREOGRAPHIC EDUCATION IN GALICIA IN THE INTERWAR TWENTY YEARS (1919–1939)

Abstract

The purpose – to determine the cultural prerequisites for the popularity of social dance schools as centersof choreographic learning; to analyze the activities of social dance schools in Galicia in the interwar twentyyears. Methods. To achieve this goal, a set of research methods was used specific search, system method,method of logical-historical analysis. Specific search methods were used when working with documentsand materials of periodicals on the researched issues. The systematic method allowed to comprehensivelyconsider the activities of social dance schools in Galicia in the interwar period. The method of logical-historicalanalysis allowed to systematize, analyze data and information related to the subject of research. Results. Basedon the analysis of archival materials, publications in periodicals, the peculiarities of the organization of socialdance schools in Galicia in 1919–1939 are revealed, information about the owners and teachers of social danceschools is systematized, the professional communication of social dance teachers is investigated. Conclusions.It is established that the popularity of social dance schools in Galicia determined the development of ballroomchoreography, as well as the role played by the dance in the then socio-cultural life of Galicians. Dance halls werewidespread, and there were also dance halls in cafes and restaurants. Often various societies organized dance evenings, especially during the carnival season. Repertoire of ballroom choreography of the 20–30s of the XXcentury included waltz, twostep, onestep, blues, foxtrot, quickstep, charleston, tango, swing, twist, shimmy,karioka, and more. These dances were studied in social dance schools. Dance schools were held in many citiesof Galicia, namely in Berezhany, Boryslav, Brody, Drohobych, Zolochiv, Kolomyia, Nadvirna, Sambir, StaryiSambir, Stanislaviv, Stryi, and Truskavets. The content and methods of teaching social dances depended solelyon the professionalism of dance school teachers. Dance teachers formed professional relationships. During1919–1939, there were several such associations in Lviv, uniting professional and licensed dance teachersfrom all over Eastern Galicia.