Fundamentally, the Russian folk-dances can be divided into four different groups: the ballad dances, or _Chorovody_; the romantic dances of the _Kamarienskaya_ type; the dramatic dances of the _Kasatchy_ type; the bacchanalian dances of the _Trepak_ type; and the unlimited number of humorous, gay, amusing and entertaining country dances--the so-called _Pliasovaya_--of purely local flavor. Besides these there are the historic ballad dances, such as ‘Ivan the Terrible’, ‘Ilia Murometz,’ and others. The Cossack dance, _Lesginka_, the _Kaiterma_, the _Polowetsi_ dances, the _Vanka_, and others of this kind, are dances of a rather local character, though they have spread all over the country. The oldest and most varied of Russian folk-dances are the _Chorovody_, or the ballad dances, performed only to the singing voices of the dancers themselves. This is a kind of ring dance like the old French Round. In some dances the men reach their hands to the girls, in others they touch each other with their elbows only, as the girls keep their hands on their hips, while the men cross them on their breast. The real dance is performed inside the ring, usually by a girl, who sometimes has a man partner; this dance may be pantomimic, humorous or full of wildest joy and agility. The writer has witnessed some _Chorovody_ which were performed with such skill and finesse of plastic pose and mimic art as to leave many ballet celebrities far in the background. The Russian folk-dancer employs every inch of his body, his hands, legs, toes, heels, hips, shoulders, head and the mimic art so masterfully and correctly that you must often marvel his born talent and lively interest in dancing. However, in all folk-dances the women seem to play the leading rôle, the men merely supporting them with the contrasted figures. The _Chorovody_ were used by the mediæval _Boyars_ in a more refined and poetic style for their social functions and the entertainment of their guests. Later they were introduced to the court and finally they were employed in the Russian ballets and operas. Ivan the Terrible was fond of _Chorovody_ dances and often danced them himself, as did also other Russian rulers. The aristocratic _Chorovody_, however, grew more stately and artificial and lost their racial freshness. Catherine the Great sent her chamberlains to every province to invite the best folk-dancers to come to the court, which they did. All dances of this type are picturesque, romantic, poetic and restrained in their expression.