Development and Current State of the Folk Dance, Using an Example of the Slovácko Verbuňk and the “Královničky” Ceremonial Processions

The study deals with the development and current state of the folk dance, using an example of two significantly different motion expressions: the ceremonial “Královničky” [The Little Queens] processions in central and western Moravia and the Slovácko verbuňk in southern Moravia. These two dance expressions, appreciably differing in their type, are presented in the context of the environment where they are currently practised. The verbuňk is a distinctive representative of male folk dances, while the “Královničky” processions represent a girl element integrated in the calendar cycle. Both expressions are currently living and they fulfil their cultural and social functions. Based on archival research and analysis of available literature, an image of the historical development of these expressions from the first mentions about them up to present days has emerged. Main historical milestones are depicted graphically for comparison. The results of thorough field research have revealed the importance of the verbuňk and the “Královničky” processions for particular communities. In the case of verbuňk, the functions are competitive, identifying and representational, in the case of ”Královničky” processions, the core function is presentational, while the ceremonial function persists in both expressions. The summarization of the findings has made it possible to update the definitions of expressions’ bearers and the description and role of the audience looking on contemporary dance and ceremonial occasions.