Those of you who have not seen viral sensation Kazaky yet, I suggest you check them out now. They are eye candy: muscular young men bare their souls and bodies in extravagant music videos viewed nearly 10 million times on YouTube. KAZAKY: In the middle KAZAKY: Love The Kazaky guys are the real creme of the Eurocreme of boy bands, falcons and mustangs of the homoerotic dreams that swapped their Cossack horses for 5 1/2 inches heels which they have mastered to a killing perfection. Similar to Maori warriors, these guys wear little into the battle and their Slavic love haka makes many hearts tremble. While only armed with three songs and two videos, they have managed to deeply penetrate their images into the minds of gay clubbers around the world. This singing-in-English but speaking-in-Russian group based in Ukraine is nothing short of controversy starting with its name. It is hard to argue that Kazaky can have any other meaning than ‘Cossacks’ in Russian which is the language they speak. The group however implies instead that the name is derived from the Japanese, apparently hinting at Kabuki theatre where male actors could play female roles. It appears to be a brilliant move in their marketing strategy allowing them use strongest possible association with ultimate masculine identity of Cossacks while softening it with exotic gender-blending art touch. That in a way describes the whole phenomenon of Kazaky. Watching this group is similar to watching both Spartacus and RuPaul’s Drag Race at the same time. These smoking hot guys are first and foremost dancers, however charmingly primitive lyrics with sexy Eastern European accent give them an additional edge. While we have heard similar simplistic wonders like ‘Shut up! And sleep with me’ so many times before and there is nothing unusual in boys group projecting sexuality, there has hardly ever been such a package of rough homoerotism on the scene until now. This is especially something extraordinary to come from one of the most homophobic countries in the world. But what could taste sweeter than the forbidden fruit? The band’s parading of the rough military style sexuality for a mature western eye is very much evocative of homo-erotically charged military parades held in the Red Square during the Soviet era. Cossacks is the Russian-Ukrainian military tribe that has been for centuries employed by Russian tsars in different defensive or aggressive actions from Poland to Caucuses and Kazakhstan. Cossacks in the vanguard of the Russian army in various times marched through many cities including Istanbul, Berlin and even Paris. Newly born Kazaky (their first single was released late in 2010, second one in February this year) definitely seem to be sharing ambitions of their namesakes taking on a world tour later this year and this month alone raiding night clubs in Toronto, New York, Miami, Tbilisi and Tuscany. While it sounds extraordinary, it is not thought entirely new for Slaves to make it big in the eager West by using their dancing skills, exotic looks and even stirring gender-blending controversy – Vaslav Nijinsky, Yul Brunner and Rudolf Nureyev were there before Kazaky. Vaslav Nijinsky, arguably the best dancer ever, became a sensation during Russian Seasons in Paris, sharing fame and bed with ballet producer Sergei Diaghilev. Apart from his unique dancing, Nijinsky was also known for his extravagant and often feminine costumes as well as for dancing completely naked just covered in gauze. Yul Brunner became famous with his role in the musical The King and I and his sex appeal and exotic masculinity were strong enough to let him pull out riskiest gender-blending costumes. Fugitive to the West Rudolf Nureyev was equally famous for his exceptional dancing and scandalous love affairs with his list of lovers including Freddie Mercury. He was the perfect choice to portrait another bisexual legend Rudolph Valentino. Vaslav Nijinsky, Yul Brunner, Rudolf Nureyev and Arthur Archibaz from KAZAKY – will we ever get enough of the exotic Eastern sexuality? Significantly, 27-year-old Arthur Archibaz, one of the Kazaky foursome, is classically trained in dance and performed around the world with the leading ballet shows being cast in famous productions Cinderella and Swan Lake. And god it shows, who else can do stretching like him? All other members are also accomplished dancers. Twenty-year-old Kirill Fedorenko and 21-year-old Stas Pavlov went to the same University studying music and choreography. The elder of the group 31y-year-old Oleg Zhezhel was professional artist and designer before reinventing himself as an acclaimed choreographer and award winning dancer. In combination, their diverse dancing backgrounds and extensive choreographic experimentation contributed to creation of unique signature dancing based on old gay club dance style ‘waacking’ (similar style to ‘voguing’ featured in Madonna’s video “Vogue”) with inclusion of acrobatic elements like jump-flips on the heels. Although the band performs as well in both boots and sneakers, it is stilettos that make their loudest fashion statement. What started as a joke became integral part of the band’s appearance. Guys say they have been amazed as dancers and artists with esthetic effect that high heels made on their posture as well as added fluidity to their movements. The band is head over hills in love with fashion. And the love is mutual. This year they have worked in fashion show of Anouki Bicholla, recently closed the DSquard2 spring-summer 2012 show in Milan and also appeared at this year’s Life Ball in Vienna. So while Kazaky confess to be inspired by English leather-and-latex-laden designer Gareth Pugh, their own evocative style seems to become influential for others. And as band says, they became more than dancers, singers and musicians, they turned into artists and their act changed from virtual into live phenomenon. Many are disappointed that despite their viral popularity in the gay community, questions about sexual orientation and gay rights are off-limits in group’s interviews. However let us not forget that in much more liberal countries other popular artists like Ricky Martin and George Michael have not always been at the forefront of the gay rights movement either. Reality is that in spite of band's rising popularity, two of their latest concerts in the South of Russia have been cancelled due to the terror threats from Cossack communities there. So Kazaky have to carefully walk a very fine line in their stilettoes. Besides, Kazaky have to cater for a very different and often diverse audience with most of their fans in the East appearing to be young females deprived of Chippendales shows. Rumour has it though that sweetest twink Stas is in fact straight and committed, while the butchest Oleg and Arthur are partners. But whether straight or gay they keep on pushing boundaries of accepted masculinity and challenging gender focused society norms and stereotypes. Let critics do the talking, let us be entertained and let the guys perform, have fun and explore themselves. And is not it great to see that former Soviet Union can once again produce not only just oil, guns and vodka but also export new ideas, trends and culture. Alexander Lowe - 28th July 2011