Country and Western dancing will come to Slovakia April 21.photo: Courtesy PKO
Men in cowboy outfits will twist girls in long skirts to the strains of "O, Susannah", trained professionals will wield lassos, and craftsmen will sell hand-made leather belts, hats and wallets at the traditional Country Ball on the Danube embankment at Park Kultúry a Oddychu (PKO) on Saturday, April 21.
Following a 20-year tradition, the night-long ball brings a slice of American culture to Slovakia. Slovak bands Žobráci (Beggars), Country Team, Slávo Kmeť & Band, Wrkoč (Pony Tail) and Louiziana will shake and rattle PKO's "Big Saloon" along with dance groups Petronella, Slniečko (Baby Sun) and Czech Quadrilla. The evening's host, Vlado Grežo, will teach visitors the basic steps of typical country and western dances.
The Tramp Song and Kalunet folk-country bands as well as the Funny Fellows Old-Time Band, will play in PKO's "Small Saloon".
Performances also include lasso and whip acrobatic shows while visitors can try other attractions including a ride on an electric bull, or join competitions such as speed beer drinking and target shooting. An award for the best dancing couple will be given as well.
The Jasan Bonuš Prague Country School laid the basis for Slovak country groups to develop their talents at the beginning of 70s. Since then, several bands and dancing groups have sprung up in Slovakia, playing at country balls all over the country to offer citizens not only a look at, but also direct participation in, western music dancing.
In a break from American folk, Dubliner Maura Shanahan's dancing group, will perform Irish folk dances.
Tickets cost 179 Sk if bought in advance at PKO's ticket office on Špitálska 25, tel: 5292 5023, or 199 Sk one hour before the event bought on the door at Park Kultúry a Oddychu (Culture and Leisure Park) - PKO, on nábrežie L. Svobodu 3. Tel: 5292 5801.
By Zuzana Habšudová
