MUSIC AND DANCE REVIEW : Don Cossacks: Distinct Flavor in Performance

For the accidental stranger in paradise who may not know that the name Don Cossacks has more to do with the novel “Quiet Flows the Don” and the river running into the Sea of Azov than with the shortened form of a man’s first name, perhaps the song-and-dance troupe should call itself “Cossacks of the Don.”

Whatever the case, the 56-year-old Don Cossacks Song and Dance Company of Rostov left no doubt as to its origins, intent and raison d’etre throughout a well-attended performance Saturday at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

A stranger, for instance, could get the distinct flavor of these Southern Russians, historically noted as adventurers and cavalrymen; often a dance or sketch began with the suggestion of horseback riding.

Never, though, do the mustached heroes suggest the evil side of activities that the name Cossacks sometimes implies. They constantly portray themselves as strong, high-spirited specimens of manhood imbued with a sense of God and country and the will to defend both.

Sometimes they are bare-chested, pantalooned swordsmen who brazenly proclaimed their powers and reveled in all sorts of stunts--barrel turns with bodies nearly parallel with the floor, headstands with feet leaping into the air.

Other times they appear in military uniform, proudly patriotic. The women, too, seem divided by class--rambunctious peasants and graceful gentry, any one of whom are ravishing enough to stay here and become starlets.

One dance, in particular, depicts maidens as delicate and tender as new blades of grass--revealing a marked balletic discipline and grasp of line.

The company also has a generational representation, with older members composing the choirs and small orchestra, one with the ubiquitous balalaikas, trumpets and accordions.

In costumes that speak of variety and even subtle finery, they disclose exceptional technique as dancers. In varied choreography, the Don Cossacks show their people at work, at play, at love and yes, at war between the sexes.

Most satisfying are the larger pieces, those that flow from village scenes and developed characters and situations with a theme or story.