The Russian dance?

Question

Why can't women do that russain dance, where they crouch and kick up their legs?
It is world wide the men dance in the middle and back and forth and the women around in a circle side to side.

Answer 1

Physically, female dancers are quite capable of performing the step you're referring to, but aesthetically it just doesn't work. Just think about that skirt, for starters...

Women have to dance differently from men in Russian folk dance. It is all about what people found attractive back in the days. For women, it was the smoothness of their movement. They had to look like they are gliding on the surface of water like a swan. For men, it was looking energetic and strong.

It is world wide that a man is supposed to look strong. Also, a man is supposed to be a charismatic leader while women have more of a supportive role. Thus, a man gets the solo role with "power" moves in the circle while women create beautiful background.

Answer 2

It is not clear which step you are referring to. Preseke is a kick to second position from a squat position with a small hop on the opposite leg. Schupak is a kick to the front from a squat sixth position. Physically, most fit dancers can do preseke, but only a few can do schupak well. Both require very strong thigh muscles. Most women don't aspire to have thighs 3/4 of their waist diameter, a dimension typical for men that do schupak. I have seen women doing preseke, but never schupak.
Traditionally, preseke and schupak are men's steps. Snowflake is right to characterize the men's steps are power moves. If you don't believe this, just try doing the steps slowly. In Ukraine's signature dance Hopak, both men and women do solos in the centre with rest of the ensemble off to the side in a supporting role. The most common women's solos are spins.