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Wild Dances
Wild Dances
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"Wild Dances"
Single by Ruslana
from the album Wild Dances
B-side"Hutsul Girl"
Released17 May 2004 (2004-05-17)
Length3:00
LabelEMI
ComposerRuslana Lyzhychko
Lyricists Yuliya Rai
Producers
  • Oleksandr Ksenofontov
  • Ruslana Lyzhychko
Ruslana singles chronology
"Kolomyjka"
(2003)
"Wild Dances"
(2004)
"Dance with the Wolves"
(2005)
Music video
"Wild Dances" on YouTube
Eurovision Song Contest 2004 entry
Country
Artist
Ruslana Lyzchicko
As
Languages
Composer
Ruslana Lyzhychko
Lyricists
Finals performance
Semi-final result
2nd
Semi-final points
256
Final result
1st
Final points
280
Entry chronology
◄ "Hasta la vista" (2003)
"Razom nas bahato" (2005) ►
Official performance video
"Wild Dance" (Final) on YouTube

"Wild Dances" is a song composed and recorded by Ukrainian singer-songwriter Ruslana, with lyrics by herself, Oleksandr Ksenofontov, Jamie Maher, Michael Fayne, Sherena Dugani and Yuliya Rai. It represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2004, held in Istanbul, resulting in the country's first win at the contest. "Wild Dances" was subsequently released as a single and topped the charts of Flanders and Greece.

Background

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Conception

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"Wild Dances" was composed and recorded by Ruslana, with lyrics by herself, Oleksandr Ksenofontov, Jamie Maher, Michael Fayne, and Sherena Dugani.[1] The work on the song lasted for about three months. Editing and sound engineering was done by Ruslana together with specialists from Kyiv, London, and New York City. The recording was done together with a guitarist from Cool Before, and an ex-trumpet player from Zdob și Zdub. The Ukrainian and English lyrics of the song, as well as the chorus and melody, underwent significant changes since the initial stage. She released a Ukrainian-only version called "Dyki tantsi" (Ukrainian: "Дикі танці") only in Ukraine and Russia.

Selection

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On 23 January 2004, the National Television Company of Ukraine (NTU) announced that it had internally selected Ruslana as its performer for the 49th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.[2] On 28 January 2004, NTU announced that "Wild Dances" would be the Ukrainian entry for Eurovision.[3]

Music video

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The official music video was filmed in the abandoned building of the Ice Palace,[which?] which was at once renamed "The Iceberg Palace" by the members of Ruslana's crew because no heating equipment brought with Ruslana could heat the cold air of the huge building to a comfortable level. The building was 'decorated' with sheer concrete and windows without glass. Despite the script of the video-clip, which provided for constant burning fire in large barrels, torches on the stage, wireworks and even a real military flame thrower, only the "Wild Dances" could help people to ultimately warm up.[4][5] It was first aired on 6 May 2004 on MTV Russia in the 12 Angry Viewers show, but was booed by the audience.[6]

Eurovision

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On 12 May 2004, the semi-final for the Eurovision Song Contest was held at the Abdi İpekçi Arena in Istanbul hosted by the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), and broadcast live throughout the continent. As Ukraine had not finished in the top 10 at the previous contest, the song had to compete in the semi-final. Ruslana performed "Wild Dances" eleventh on the night, following Greece's "Shake It" by Sakis Rouvas and preceding Lithuania's "What's Happened to Your Love" by Linas and Simona. The song qualified for the grand final.[7] After the grand final it was revealed that it had received in the semi-final 256 points, placing second in a field of twenty-two.[8]

Mistakenly, the song title was captioned on screen at the contest as being "Wild Dance", without the S, both in semi final and grand final.

On 14 May 2004, the grand final for the Eurovision Song Contest was held. Ruslana performed again "Wild Dances" tenth on the night, following Albania's "The Image of You" by Anjeza Shahini and preceding Croatia's "You Are the Only One" by Ivan Mikulić.[9] Her performance is memorable for an energetic performance, which Ruslana gave in a leather outfit, inspired by Xena: Warrior Princess and the ethnic tradition of Ukraine.

At the close of voting of the grand final, it had received 280 points, winning the contest.[10] It was the first victory for Ukraine. With a mixture of English and Ukrainian lyrics, "Wild Dances" was also the first Eurovision-winning song to be sung at least partly in a language other than English since the rule-change of 1999, when countries were allowed to sing in a language of their choosing, rather than one of their official languages. With this win, Ukraine became the third post-Soviet country to win the contest, after Estonia and Latvia.

Aftermath

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The single was included on the official compilation album called The Very Best of Eurovision celebrating the 60th anniversary of the contest.[11]

As the winning broadcaster, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) gave NTU the responsibility to host the following edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The grand final held on 21 May 2005, opened with Ruslana performing a medley of "Wild Dances" and "Heart on Fire" accompanied by the Zhyttia ballet and the Ukrainian drums ensemble ARS Nova. She also performed her latest single "The Same Star" in the interval act and presented the trophy to the winner.[12]

Charts

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Sales and certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BRMA)[31] Gold 25,000*
Greece (IFPI Greece)[32] Gold  
Romania[32] Gold  

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Region Date Format
Ukraine 17 May 2004 CD single
Germany 24 May 2004
Greece
Netherlands
Finland
Belgium
Sweden
Latvia
Lithuania
Estonia
Poland
Israel
Turkey
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Slovenia
United Kingdom
United States 29 April 2008 Digital download

Legacy

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The song was bought with exclusive copyright in Vietnam by Vietnamese singer-songwriter Hồ Quỳnh Hương. She has an own Vietnamese version of the song, entitled "Vũ điệu hoang dã".[33]

In other media

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The song is used in the soundtrack of the 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto IV.[34] American gymnast and 2011 world champion Jordyn Wieber has revealed that she uses this song as her floor exercise music.[35]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Wild Dances" is a bilingual ethnic pop performed by Ukrainian Lyzhychko, blending with traditional Ukrainian folk elements through energetic rhythms, powerful vocals, and lyrics in both English and Ukrainian. Composed by alongside co-writers Sherena Dugani, Michael Fayne, Oleksandr Ksenofontov, and Jamie Maher, it was released in May 2004 as the from her fifth studio album of the same name, issued on July 6, 2004, by Comp Music. The track draws inspiration from the ancient Hutsul culture of 's , incorporating Slavic rhythms and motifs to create a vibrant, dance-oriented sound that propelled to international fame. Representing in its second year at the , "Wild Dances" was performed at the 2004 final in , , on May 15, featuring a dynamic stage show with flame jets and leather-clad dancers. It secured victory with 280 points, receiving points from 33 of the 36 participating countries and marking 's first Eurovision win, which hosted the 2005 contest in . The song's success drove the Wild Dances album to status in , selling over 100,000 copies within 100 days, and established as a prominent figure in global with ethnic influences. Its enduring legacy includes high fan ratings, such as 4.9 stars from over 1,199 votes on Eurovision platforms, and later performances, like a 2013 collaboration with .

Development

Conception and Writing

"Wild Dances" drew its primary inspiration from the traditional Hutsul folk dances and rituals of the in , transforming these ancient cultural elements into a dynamic fusion of pop and ethnic music. Ruslana Lyzhychko, whose father hails from the Hutsul region, sought to capture the raw, mystical energy of this heritage following her personal exploration of the area's vocal techniques and rhythms. This adaptation emphasized the vibrant, untamed spirit of Carpathian traditions, blending them with contemporary beats to create an infectious, high-energy track. The song was composed by Lyzhychko, Oleksandr Ksenofontov, Jamie Maher, Michael Fayne, and Sherena Dugani, with lyrics co-written by the same team, reflecting an international songwriting that incorporated diverse perspectives. This teamwork infused the track with both authentic Ukrainian motifs and accessible, global pop sensibilities, ensuring its appeal beyond domestic borders. The creative process built on 's earlier expedition to the Carpathians in spring 2003, which informed the album Dyki Tantsi—of which "Wild Dances" formed a key part—released that June in . Two linguistic versions were developed to maximize reach: the original Ukrainian "Dyki Tantsi," rooted in local , and the English "Wild Dances," tailored for international audiences with altered verses while preserving the iconic chorus and melodic structure. These adaptations highlighted subtle shifts in phrasing to convey universal themes without diluting the ethnic core. Thematically, the song celebrates wild energy and the joy of as expressions of ethnic , positioning it as a bold emblem of Ukrainian and resilience.

Recording and Production

The recording of "Wild Dances" primarily took place at Luxen Studio in , , during 2003, with additional sessions conducted at international facilities including BFD Studios Ltd. in , Studios in , , in , , and in New York. These sessions incorporated contributions from specialists in , , and New York for editing and sound engineering, spanning approximately three months in late 2003 to early 2004. Production was led by Ruslana Lyzhychko and her husband Olexandr Ksenofontov, who handled recording, mixing, and production duties for the title track, with additional production support from Ego Works on select elements. The track features a fusion of traditional Ukrainian instrumentation—such as synthesized approximations of the trembita, an ancient Hutsul wooden horn, alongside ethnic percussion and rhythms inspired by Hutsul folk dances—with contemporary elements including electronic beats, synthesizers, and high-energy synth lines. Mixing occurred at various locations, including in the UK for parts of the , while mastering was finalized at Sterling Sound in New York by early 2004 to prepare for the . handled international distribution, releasing the single and globally through subsidiaries like Pomaton EMI, ensuring polished audio for worldwide platforms. The song follows a standard verse-chorus structure with an instrumental intro and escalating build-ups to the chorus, clocking in at a duration of 3:17 to suit contest regulations and radio play.

Eurovision Participation

Internal Selection

The National Television Company of Ukraine (NTU), the country's public broadcaster, opted for an internal selection process to choose Ukraine's entry for the 2004 , forgoing a public national final in favor of a curated approach to represent the nation effectively. This decision came in the wake of Ukraine's debut participation in 2003, where Olexandr Ponomaryov placed 14th with "Hasta la Vista," prompting NTU to seek a more impactful showing for their second outing. On 23 January 2004, NTU confirmed Lyzhychko, an established Ukrainian singer with prior domestic success including her debut album Myt' Vesny – Dzvinkyi Viter (1998), as the performer, allowing her significant creative control over the song choice. The selection criteria prioritized an energetic, folk-infused pop track to highlight Ukrainian cultural elements, aligning with NTU's goal of a vibrant international debut that could elevate the country's profile. proposed "Wild Dances," developed as part of her Wild Dances project, blending Carpathian folk rhythms with modern beats to embody . The song's ethnic inspirations, rooted in Hutsul traditions, were briefly referenced in the proposal to underscore its cultural authenticity. Shortly after the announcement, preparations intensified, with the team adapting "Wild Dances" to meet Eurovision's strict rules, including a maximum three-minute duration and ensuring originality without prior commercial release. This internal process enabled rapid alignment with contest requirements, positioning for a bold entry aimed at captivating a global audience.

Music Video

The official for "Wild Dances" was filmed in early 2004 in an abandoned Ice Palace in , , under the direction of Evgeny Mitrofanov and with a small production team. The location's stark, unheated interior—renamed "The Iceberg Palace" by the crew due to temperatures around -10°C—provided a raw, industrial backdrop that enhanced the song's theme of untamed energy and . Visual elements included decor, glassless windows, burning barrels for and warmth, torches, wireworks, and even a military flamethrower to create dramatic effects. The video's visual style emphasized high-energy dance sequences, with in a leather skirt and halter top leading a group of muscular male dancers clad in traditional Hutsul ethnic costumes from Ukraine's Carpathian region. These sequences incorporated foot-stamping rituals, whip cracks, and cries of "Hey," blending ancient mystic elements with modern pop aesthetics like riffs and beats to evoke a sense of primal, wild liberation. The setting symbolized the song's "wild" essence, turning the cold, echoing space into a fantasy stage that highlighted the track's ethnic fusion and dance-driven rhythm. Premiered on May 6, 2004, on as part of the "12 Angry Viewers" show, the video served primarily as a promotional tool ahead of the , airing internationally shortly thereafter to build anticipation for Ruslana's performance. It later broadcast on various European music channels to complement the song's high-energy production style. Reception to the music video was mixed, praised for its raw energy and unconventional spectacle that captured the song's dynamic theme but criticized for its low-budget roughness and intense, unpolished aesthetic. During its debut, the video faced booing from the audience, reflecting some viewers' surprise at its bold, non-mainstream approach, though it ultimately contributed to the song's buzz leading into . Academic analyses have noted its role in essentializing Ukrainian Hutsul traditions for a global audience, blending authenticity with commercial simulation to project a modern yet exotic national identity.

Contest Performance

Ruslana performed "Wild Dances" in the semi-final of the 2004 on 12 May in , , where it placed second with 256 points, securing qualification for the grand final. The performance featured an energetic choreography blending modern pop elements with Ukrainian folk influences, accompanied by backup dancers in stylized traditional attire. In the grand final on 15 May 2004, delivered the song as the tenth act, captivating the audience with a high-energy routine that included flame jets shooting from the stage and dynamic movements by leather-clad dancers, evoking the wild spirit of Hutsul Carpathian culture. The staging emphasized spectacle through synchronized dance sequences and fire effects, highlighting the song's fusion of electronic beats and ethnic motifs. "Wild Dances" won with 280 points, a record total at the time, marking Ukraine's debut victory in its second year of participation. It received the maximum 12 points from ten countries, including , , , , , , , , , and , reflecting strong televote support particularly from Eastern European nations and others across the continent. The performances were broadcast live to an estimated global audience of over 100 million viewers, with Ruslana's visually striking presentation noted for its innovative use of pyrotechnics and cultural flair that contributed to the event's overall spectacle.

Immediate Aftermath

Following Ruslana's victory with "Wild Dances" at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest in Istanbul, Ukraine experienced a surge of national pride, with the win celebrated as a symbol of the country's cultural emergence on the European stage. President Leonid Kuchma publicly commended her achievement, stating that she had "brought glory to the Motherland," while Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych described Ruslana as a "national treasure." The singer was honored with the Order of Merit (III degree) by presidential decree, recognizing her contribution to Ukraine's international prestige. This acclaim extended to widespread media attention, with outlets across Europe portraying Ruslana as a vibrant ambassador for Ukrainian folk-infused pop music, highlighting her energetic performance and the song's blend of traditional Hutsul elements with modern dance beats. In the ensuing months, "Wild Dances" resonated deeply within , evolving into an informal anthem that fostered a sense of unity amid political tensions leading to the later in 2004. actively supported pro-democracy protests in Kyiv's , performing the song at rallies alongside opposition leader , which amplified its role as a rallying cry for national solidarity and European aspirations. The track's immediate post-win follow-up included its feature on the official The Very Best of : A 60th Anniversary, released in 2015 to mark the contest's milestone, underscoring the enduring recognition of her 2004 triumph. As part of Ukraine's hosting obligations for the 2005 in , contributed prominently to the event by performing in the grand final's interval act and conducting backstage interviews with contestants in the green room, helping to showcase her homeland's vibrant hosting capabilities. The victory also propelled her onto initial international tours across , where she delivered high-energy performances that capitalized on the song's buzz, enhancing her visibility and establishing connections with global audiences through promotional appearances and concerts in multiple countries. This period of extensive press coverage in 2004–2005 further solidified her position as a key figure promoting Ukrainian abroad, with features in major outlets emphasizing the win's role in bridging Eastern European traditions with Western pop culture.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

"Wild Dances" achieved significant commercial success across European music charts following its release and Ruslana's victory at the , primarily driven by the contest's exposure. The single topped the charts in Belgium's (Ultratop 50), where it held the number-one position for 10 consecutive weeks and remained on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. It also reached number one in , reflecting strong regional popularity in . In other European markets, the song entered the top 10 in , peaking at number 8 on the and charting for 18 weeks. It performed moderately in the (peak #30, 5 weeks), (#24, 9 weeks), and (#20, 1 week), while charting lower in (#40, 9 weeks) and (#43, 6 weeks). The track had limited impact in the UK, reaching number 47 on the Official Singles Chart for 2 weeks, and number 44 in Ireland for 1 week. On year-end charts, "Wild Dances" ranked third in Belgium's for , underscoring its sustained popularity there. The song's chart run was largely confined to , with no notable placements found in or broader international markets beyond minor European entries, highlighting the Eurovision buzz's regional focus. Compared to other Eurovision entries in the genre, such as the 's "Hold On to Our Love" ( peak #42), it outperformed many by securing multiple number-one positions and longer chart durations.
CountryPeak PositionWeeks on ChartSource
120Ultratop
Greece1N/AEurovision.tv
Sweden818Hitparade.ch
Netherlands305Hitparade.ch
Switzerland249Hitparade.ch
Finland201Hitparade.ch
Germany409Hitparade.ch
Austria436Hitparade.ch
UK472Official Charts
Ireland441Acharts.co

Sales and Certifications

"Wild Dances" achieved significant commercial success following its release as a single in , driven by its Eurovision victory and subsequent promotion, with physical CD singles accounting for the majority of sales during this period. Digital downloads began contributing notably after , aligning with the growing availability of online music platforms. The single received certifications in several countries, indicating sales thresholds met for recognition. In , it was certified for 25,000 units by the Belgian Recorded Music Association. awarded status for 15,000 units through . It also received certifications in (for 10,000 units), , and the , as well as Platinum in . These awards highlight the song's appeal in key European markets post-Eurovision. Long-term metrics show a resurgence in digital streams during the 2022 events in , with streams reaching over 22 million as of 2025, though no new certifications were issued after 2005. This renewed interest underscores the song's enduring popularity amid global support for .

Legacy

Cultural Impact

"Wild Dances" emerged as a powerful symbol of national pride for following its debut victory at the 2004 , marking one of the country's earliest major international successes and fostering a sense of cultural unity and self-assertion in the post-Orange Revolution era. The song's energetic fusion of traditional elements with modern pop resonated deeply, representing 's diverse and boosting collective morale during a period of political transition. During the 2014 protests, , the song's performer, actively participated as a prominent voice of dissent, drawing on the track's themes of freedom and cultural revival to rally demonstrators against government corruption. The song has also been performed at Ukrainian independence celebrations, including a notable rendition on Sofiiska Square in during Independence Day events in 2020, reinforcing its role in commemorating national sovereignty. The track's success paved the way for Ukraine's subsequent Eurovision triumphs, including wins in 2016 with Jamala's "1944" and in 2022 with Kalush Orchestra's "Stefania," by establishing a template for entries that blend ethnic traditions with contemporary sounds to assert on a global stage. It highlighted the potential of ethnic fusion in entries, influencing later Ukrainian submissions to emphasize folklore-inspired elements as a means of amid geopolitical tensions. On the global stage, "Wild Dances" gained widespread recognition when it was voted Germany's all-time favorite Eurovision song in a 2006 public poll conducted by broadcaster ARD, surpassing classics like ABBA's "Waterloo." In recent years, particularly since the 2022 Russian invasion, "Wild Dances" has resurged as a symbol of Ukrainian resilience, evoking the nation's unyielding spirit through its invocation of traditional Hutsul sounds amid ongoing conflict. It featured prominently in 2023 Eurovision tributes, with performing a symbolic link-up from to the final, connecting past victories to contemporary solidarity. Scholars have analyzed "Wild Dances" for its innovative blending of Hutsul folklore—incorporating motifs like trembita calls and rhythmic dances—with pop structures, which propelled the Carpathian minority's heritage to international prominence while navigating in global media. This fusion has been critiqued in ethnomusicological studies as a form of cultural revival that both authenticates and commodifies Ukrainian borderland traditions, contributing to discourses on and identity in post-Soviet contexts.

Use in Media and Covers

The song "Wild Dances" by has been featured in various media adaptations, including video games, where the Ukrainian FM version appeared on the FM radio station in (2008), reaching an estimated audience of millions through the game's widespread popularity. In , the song inspired several , such as the Harem's Club Mix, which emphasized its dance elements and gained traction in nightlife scenes across the continent. In sports, "Wild Dances" served as the music for U.S. gymnast Jordyn Wieber's floor exercise routine at the 2012 London Olympics, where her performance contributed to the American team's in the team event. The track also featured prominently in events, including a pre-recorded performance by from during the interval act of the 2023 Grand Final in , symbolizing Ukrainian resilience amid ongoing conflict. Beyond these, "Wild Dances" has appeared in Eurovision-related events, including Ruslana's live performance at Ukraine's national selection. In 2025, Ukrainian artist performed a cover of the song at the Eurovision Euroclub during the contest in , , underscoring its lasting influence. In recent years from 2020 to 2025, delivered live renditions of "Wild Dances" at the Barcelona Eurovision Party in March 2023 and in in November 2023, events that highlighted the song's enduring appeal among Eurovision enthusiasts. The track was referenced in a May 2025 interview with , where she discussed her activism and the song's role in promoting Ukrainian identity on global stages.

References

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