Leonid Nosiv

Leonid Nosov is from Ukraine where he trained from an early age in traditional music and dance and later performed throughout the Soviet Union. He has been teaching folk dance classes for many years, and currently coaches dance groups for children and adults. He also plays spoons and khlopushky, an Eastern European style of hambone, which he learned casually from friends and relatives. Nosov recently learned of the similar folk art form in America, and wants to share this art form with children to make them aware of sounds, rhythms, and cultural curiosities that are similar yet unique between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Area: Statewide
Type: Residencies, Workshops
Grade: 4-9
Costs: See fee schedule for workshops and residencies

Nosov introduces students to Ukrainian culture through a performance of music and dance in traditional costume. Students compare American and Eastern European styles of playing the spoons and have lessons in rhythm on wooden spoons. They learn the khlopusky style of folk dance and compare it to the American style of hambone (body slapping), one of the world's oldest forms of music. Time permitting, students can make head pieces (girls) and belts (boys) for Ukrainian costumes. Nosov can introduce students to the Cyrillic language and provide an overview of Ukrainian geography, history, costumes, foods, and folk tales. The program will end with a presentation of spoons and dance by the students (and their teacher).