This young university group from Ufa, was formed to preserve, maintain and promote their ancient traditions of Bashkiria.
Bashkirs are concentrated to the slopes of the Southern Ural Mountains and neighbouring plains. At the beginning of the 10th century, Bashkirs lived as nomadic cattle breeders, hence their many fur costumes. Traditionally worn for warmth and comfort now have been adapted for dance to preserve the rich folklore of this ancient tribe of people.
Until the middle of the 13th century they occupied the territories between Volga and Kama Rivers and the Urals, until the arrival of the Mongols, when they formed a strong independence. Through many struggles and wars they eventually became part of Russia.
This is where we will see the strong Russian influence in their folklore and costumes.
This group has a very wide and extreme repertoire, never seen before in Alnwick.
