The Walsh dance-group of songs and dances RUSAVA

The Walsh ensemble of songs and dances "RUSAVA" from Bystřice pod Hostýnem (Czech Republic) aintains traditions, songs and dances from south-west Walachia in people´s sub-conscious. The biggest emphasis is on folk the heritage of walsh village Rusava, after which is the group called. Love of folk art and the traditions of Walachia (Valašsko) bring together hundreds of dancers and musicians in our ensemble, who have already given happiness by melodies and dances for already several decades.
The group was founded in October 1953. Since this time it has given a lot of performances not only in Bystřice pod Hostýnem and its surroundings, but almoust in the whole Czech Republic. It took place at many shows and festivals and during the time of its existence it has received a lot of awards. It has represented national folklore and the Czech Republic at many festivals abroad as well. During its travells the group established friendships with many European ensembles, in the first place from Germany, but also from Spain, Belgium, Holland and Slovakia, and the international comradeship and mutual visits are interesting exchanges of European folklore. For friends and fans of folk songs and dances Rusava organises the famous walsh balls, parties and full-length programmes dedicated to great personalities, anniversaries and folk traditions, Christmas parties and concerts. It is the organiser of an international folklore Festival called "Na rynku v Bystřici", which is held every two years on the Bystřice square.
Ensemble art the director is Jiří Stanovský, who is an excellent folk dancer, whose name is inherently bound with Rusava. He is the second generation of Stanovský - his parents, mother Ja-roslava and father Stanislav (died in 1999), one of the members of the group were leading it few years ago and for their work for the group they were accorded honoured members of the Rusava ensemble. The third honour the member is Pavel Malík, first violinist of Rusava dulcimer band (died in 2002), another art designer Karel Bubílek, long-time dance leader Vladimír Očad-lík and the last of the honoured member is Růžena Malíková, founder of the children´s group Malá Rusava, which is still led by her. The Children´s ensemble attend all Rusava activities, because it is the place from where new dancers come. These ones, who maintain their lo-ve of folklore for their whole life.