The tune can be done as a fast waltz, a fast two/four (or cut time) um-chunk
Hopak-like tune (ala Those Were the Days) or can be done rubato...out of rhythm with a pulsating balalaika-like-a background. It has a Russian Gypsy feel. It usually starts with the Rubato section, goes to the Waltz and then to the Fast Part with Gypsy feel (um-chunk um-chunk).

Frank