If you know your Ukrainian culture, you’re probably aware that the hopak is a speedy, acrobatic dance rooted in the military culture of the Cossacks. Traditionally performed by men alone, it uses gestures drawn from swordplay and other forms of hand-to-hand combat; it’s fascinating, a little scary, and it can be seen this Thursday (March 27) when the Dovbush Dancers present a noon-hour performance at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. But attendees won’t necessarily have to gird their loins for battle; the local troupe will also feature an array of less strenuous dance forms from the strife-torn country’s different regions.