Image - 2026-06-19 23:23

A folk dance ensemble is rehearsing in the dance hall. The adult participants—three 21-year-old girls and two 22-year-old boys—stand with their backs to the wall with windows and a ballet barre running along it. They are all in third position, with their hands on their hips and their right leg extended forward on the toes. Their left leg is extended to the side and resting on the toes. Everyone is dressed and shod exactly as in the photograph—black leather gymnastics slippers with wide elastic bands and thin, light-colored leather soles without heels. The girls are wearing purple long-sleeved leotards, white satin knee-length skirts, white lace socks, and black gymnastics slippers with wide elastic bands and light-colored, soft leather soles without heels. The boys are wearing white T-shirts, gray knee-length shorts, white socks, and black gymnastics slippers with wide elastic tops and light-colored, soft leather soles without heels. The teacher, wearing dark purple leggings that fall just below the knees, a white, thin knit pullover, white socks, and black gymnastics slippers with wide elastic tops and thin, light-colored, soft leather soles, stands in front of them. Her hands are also on her hips, and her right foot is extended forward on the toe. She explains the exercise to them. The walls of the gym are painted a light yellow-beige. The floor is wooden, varnished. On the far wall are five framed diplomas for participation in competitions, and on one shelf are five gilded trophies—awards for participation in dance competitions.