Russia

1. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow Russia CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE.

2. What Would You Like To Learn?Click on the elements of culture below to read, listen, and watch lessons related to Russian culture. HISTORY Food Folk Tales Language Arts/crafts Singing Music Instruments When all of the links are purple, you have finished your travels!

3. Russian history • Russia or, also officially known as the Russian Federation, is a country in northern Eurasia. • Capital: Moscow • President: Vladimir Putin • Population: 143 million (2012) • Official language: Russian Language • Government: Federal republic, Semi-presidential system, Constitutional republic • Land: 6,592,800 sqmi • Largest Country Click the Around World image for an interactive timeline! Click the flag for a Crash Course in Russian History! BACK

4. language Click below for a Russian Language instructional video. BACK

5. Russian Food • Harsh climates and vast land determine much of what Russians eat. • Common: Soups, Stews, seasonable foods or storable produce, fish, meats. (click the bowl of stew for a clip from “Bizarre Foods” – Russia) • 16th-18th Century introduced more imports. • Crops of rye, wheat, barley and millet provide ingredients for breads, pancakes, cereals, and drinks. BACK

6. Folk tales – stories! Russian folklore takes its roots in the pagan beliefs of ancient Slavs and now is represented in the Russian fairy tales. Click to learn about Baba Yaga, a witch from Russian Folk Tales. Click to watch and listen to a Baba Yaga story which is different than the one we read in class. (On the site, choose “Play this story” above the image. Click to hear Mrs. Merk tell the Baba Yaga story from class. (Also on our website if you are at home.) BACK

7. Nesting Dolls – Click the picture for information. Art History – Click the picture for information. Let’s make some in class!Click here for the file. BACK

8. Dance Click the image for a dance called “Cossack.” • Typically one man dances with two women. • Troika = a horse drawn sled or carriage. • It is usually pulled by 3 horses, hence there are 3 dancers. • Find some partners! Let’s try it!!!  • Also referred to as “Gopak” or “Hopak.” • Included in Ukrainian Folk Dance. • No fixed pattern of steps. Click the image for a dance about “The Dashing Troika.” BACK

9. Let’s SingAbout: “The Dashing Troika” Click for more lyrics and the English translation. BACK

10. Balalaika Click the instrument for a video! • Various sizes, hence various pitches • 3 strings • Late 18th – Early 19th Century • Played with hands or plectrum (like a pick) NEXT

11. Gusli Click the instrument for a video! • One of the oldest Russian instruments • 11-36 Strings • Plucked instrument • Left hand damps strings not played • Right hand strums or plucks NEXT

12. Click the instrument for a video! Iozhki • At least 2, “clacked” together • Used in Folk Music, and sometimes with orchestras • Similar to “castanets” or “castanuelas” NEXT

13. Akkordeon - AccordiOn Click the instrument for a video! • “Bayan” – Russian chromatic button accordion • Early 20th Century (named after 11th Century Boyan) • Reeds are wider than most similar instruments NEXT

14. kalyuka Click the instrument for a video! • No finger holes • Made from hollow plant stems • Modern – PVC Pipe • Upper end is open • Tradition – played on summer evenings after hay harvest (when reeds were found to make one) BACK