A popular form of improvised dance in the Czech Republic, called Slovácko Verbŭnk, is performed by young men and boys in South Moravia and Zlin. This dance has its name from the German word Werbung (recruitment), which reflects its origin in the recruitment of dancers and soldiers in early eighteenth-century Germany. Today, it can be seen performed by folk dance groups in most towns and villages in Slovácko, usually in connection with local celebrations, such as the annual Hody celebration.
Danced to New Hungarian songs, the Slovácko Verbŭnk consists of three parts: the first part is a song, followed by slow movements, and then by faster parts. When performing, the dancing is not bound to any choreography, but instead is characterized by spontaneity, improvisation, and individual expression, like a jumping contest. Most commonly, it is performed by groups of dancers, who interpret the music in their own way. Six different types of Slovácko Verbŭnk can be distinguished, which accounts for the wide range of figures and tempos of dance. These types emerged in the early twentieth century and continue to develop.
It is necessary to have several skills in order to perform the Slovácko Verbŭnk perfectly. One of those skills is singing, and then it is vital for the performer to master the dialect. A good dancer will also be expected to be familiar with the song repertoire, i.e. the lyrics and melodies used in the dance. From the point of view of performance, the difficulty, quantity, variety, continuity, and level of performance of the dance elements and figures are important. In addition to mastering the spatial arrangement and composition, the dancer must also master the gradation of the dance. Slovácko Verbŭnk is one of the most unique expressions of human creativity because, in a relatively small area located in Moravia, the same dance motifs are used, but performed with different rhythms and intensities. Since each performance is spontaneous, it results in a highly emotional dance that has room for spontaneity. Competition dominates all aspects of the dance. Psychology was also a substantial component at the time of its conception but has been downplayed in favor of competition in recent years.
Slovácko Verbŭnk dances are a component of local customs, ceremonies, and celebrations. They are performed at the International Folklore Festival in Strážnice, which is a contest for the best dancers. The greatest threat to the viability of the different regional types of the language is the migration of young and middle-aged people to the country's urban centers. Additionally, there is a risk associated with the dance's dependence on financial support since the costumes and musical instruments are made by hand and require regular maintenance.
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