Folklore ensemble Očovan has been active at the Slovak folklore scene since 1936, when the „folklore group“ presented its very first performance. Some of its members became also founding members of SĽUK and were later transformed into the legends and source of inspiration for number of contemporary folklorists. It is surely to their credit that Očovan has been active for so many years.
Spectators at home and abroad are thrilled to experience approximately 50 performances a year. Folklore ensemble has been recognized by many awards at domestic and international folklore festivals and dance competitions.
Its achievements and accomplishments are attributed mainly to its artistic directors and choreographers Ján Priechodský, Pavel Holík (artistic director since 2000, former dancer at Slovak national folkore ballet Lúčnia), Pavol Hossa (current artistic director, former dancer at professional military ensemble Jánošík).
The artistic excellence and quality of the dance interpretation is being relentlessly mastered by the members of the ensemble, and it is not only their own dance region that Očovan is presenting at its performances. Repertoire includes also traditional art of other folklore regions, for example “verbung” (typical male dance with military motives), “karička” a “čardáš” from Parchovany (traditional dance art of the Eastern Slovak regions), “cigánsky tanec” (Gypsy dance), “Goral” from Suchá hora (northern Slovakia folklore region).
Performances are accompanied by traditional shepherd musical instruments (píšťala-flute and fujara-overtone bass flute) and cimbalom orchestra. The creativity, spontaneity and excellence of the dance is performed at a rapid rhythm and a demanding pace and performances of the folklore ensemble Očovan always provide an impressive and stimulating experience to all its spectators.