Kalinka is a Russian folk song written in 1860 by Ivan Larionov, originally created for a theatrical production before becoming a staple of Russian choirs and folk ensembles. Its fast tempo and call-and-response melody made it easy to recognise worldwide, and performances by large choirs helped carry it far beyond Russia. In recent years short clips of the tune have circulated online as shorthand for Russian culture, celebration and over-the-top energy, keeping a nineteenth-century song familiar to viewers who may never have heard the full version.