Dance of the Week
Donke Lesnoto
(Bulgaria) 
Choreographed by Jim Gold

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Donke Lesnoto is the Dance of the Week.
Music is from Bulgaria.
Click on the links below.
See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 41   
(or see “Read More” below.)

Jim Gold dancing Donke Lesnoto

Here’s an extra story and song.

Story:  Tom Graduates from Criticism School 
Song:  Cotton-Eyed Joe    
Tours: See exciting Folk Tour traveling offerings.  Click here

All  content created by Jim Gold. 
More information contact Jim
Blog history: blog archives

DONKE LESNOTO. . . BULGARIA

Dance Meaning: Donke’s Dance
Pronunciation: Donka Les-NO-to
Choreography: By Jim Gold in Macedonian-Bulgarian folk dance style.
Source: Pirin region; Lesnoto style.
Music: Bulgaria
Formation: Open circle
Meter: 7/8 slow/quick/quick: s,q,q
Jim Gold YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4V503xRnpU

Introduction: 10 measures
Measures

First Step:
Basic lesnoto:
1 Step on R(s), lift L(q), step on L over R(q),
2 Repeat meas. 1
3 step on R(s), lift L(q,q),
4 step on L(s), lift R(q,q),
5 twist R to left(s), twist R back to ctr(q,q).
6-20 Repeat meas. 1-5 3x

Second step:
Forward lifts
1 Step into ctr on R(s,q,q),
2 Step back on L, lift R high(s,q,q),
3 Hook R ft. behind L knee in big sweeping motion(s,q,q),
4 Step on R(s), bounce on both ft(q,q),
5 Hold legs together, twist knees to L in a small circle(s,q.q).
6-10 Repeat meas. 1-5

Third Step:
1 Face ctr but moving to the right, CCW:
Step on R(s), lift L(q),
cross L over R, step on L(q),
2 Repeat meas.1
3 Repeat meas. 1
4 Step on R(s), touch L heel to left side (q),
touch L heel diag left ctr(q),
5 Step on L ft(s), touch R heel diagonal ctr
right side (q),
touch R heel diagonal ctr again(q).
6-10 Repeat meas. 1-5