PUĽS – Poddukliansky Folk Art Ensemble
A contributory organization under the founding authority of the Prešov Self-Governing Region.
A professional artistic ensemble founded in 1955 in Prešov with the aim of developing and presenting on stage the musical-vocal and dance folklore of the Rusyns. More than 40 artists work in its three components: dance, vocal, and music.
PUĽS’s artistic program primarily focuses on the traditions of Rusyns living in Eastern Slovakia, but also on the folklore of other Slovak regions, reworked into a more elaborate stage form. PUĽS is a unique ensemble, evident in its performances where the vitality of a proud spirit combines with a refined sense of poetry. PUĽS performances are emotional, rich in ideas, and of a high artistic and technical standard.
Throughout its rich history, over 500 professional artists have been part of PUĽS. Many of them continued their careers in other ensembles in Slovakia or abroad. Former PUĽS members lead amateur ensembles or dedicate themselves to educating the young generation of artists as pedagogues.
Since its inception, PUĽS has performed over ten thousand shows at home and dozens of international tours. Audiences in England, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Canada, Norway, Poland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Tunisia, the USA, and countries of the former USSR have applauded them. Most recently, it represented Slovakia at the international exhibition EXPO 2025 in Japan (Osaka).
Currently, PUĽS is an ambitious ensemble with bold artistic plans. It has its own technical department – professional sound and lighting equipment, and its own transport.