Ruslana (Lyzhychko) is a Ukrainian singer, composer, and public figure who won world fame by winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 with the fiery composition “Wild Dances.” Her performance, built on the energy and authenticity of the Hutsul folklore of the Carpathians, conquered Europe and brought Ukraine its first victory in the contest.
Ruslana combined folk melodies, rhythms, and instruments (the trembita, the drymba) with a modern pop and rock sound, creating a powerful, recognizable style. She became not only a star but also an active participant in public life: she was one of the voices of the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity. Ruslana is an example of how Ukrainian folk culture, presented in a modern language, is able to set hearts alight all over the world.
