Squat dance

The squat dance (Russian: прися́дка, prisyádka) is an eastern Slavic folk dance. East Slavic culture arose from Slavic, Uralic peoples and was influenced by eastern and western cultures from Asia and Europe, mainly from Scandinavia and Baltic regions, as well as from nomadic Eurasian steppe cultures. The squat dance originated in regions where Eastern Slavic people lived (and later where Russian, Belarus and Ukrainian states appeared in Europe, formerly Kievan Rus').Besides East Slavic-speaking countries, squat dancing is also used to some degree in Indian and Hmong dances.

The squat dance is an integral feature of Russian folk culture. With kicks in the air, turns, and stomping movements, it is one of the main elements in Russian fast dances. The squat dance appears in Russian dances such as Barynya, Leto, Kalinka, Yablochko, Trepak, Kozachok and others. The squat dance is performed only by males.

While dancers squat with folded arms, they kick their legs, alternating between high and low kicks. Accelerating the legs and walking while squatting is common. Some dancers squat with their feet on the ground while others stay on their toes. The dance demands tight muscles and good balance.