Dance of the Week
  Hora: Gia Ta Matia Pou Agapo
    (Music from Greece)     
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Hora: Gia Ta Matia Pou Agapo is the Dance of the Week.
Music is from Greece.      
Click on the links below.
See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 84.
                                        *******

Hora: Gia Ta Matia Pou Agapo danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Land of Success
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

HORA: GIA TA MATIA POU AGAPO. . . GREECE

Dance Meaning: Hora of the Look (Glance) that I Love
Pronunciation: Hora Ya Ta Matya Poo Agapo
Choreography: by Jim Gold in Greek folk dance style
Music: Rebetika: Songs of the Heart
Formation: Open circle, arms in W pos.
Meter: 4/4
Jim Gold Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=349s5aeiJwo
Introduction: 4 measures
Measures

FIRST STEP
Moving CCW
1 Grapevine: R (ct 1), L behind (ct 2), R (ct 3), L in front (ct 4)
2 Lifts: R (ct 1), Lift L (ct 2), Step on L(ct 3), lift R (ct 4)
Add turns
3-8 Repeat meas 1-2 3x

SECOND STEP
Into ctr: 3 back pas de bas and stamps
1 Step fwd on R (ct 1), L behind R (ct &), step fwd on R (ct 2)
Step fwd on L (ct 3), R behind L (ct &), step fwd on L (ct 4)
2 Step fwd on R (ct 1), L behind R (ct &), step fwd on R (ct 2)
Step on L(ct 3), stamp on R next to L(ct 4)
Back out of ctr.
3 Step back on R (ct 1), lift L ( ct 2),
step back on L (ct 3), lift R (ct 4)
4 Walk back 4 steps: R (ct 1),L (ct 2),R (ct 3), L (ct 4)
5 Repeat meas 1
6 Step fwd on R (ct 1), L behind R (ct &), step fwd on R (ct 2)
Step on L (ct 3), stamp R next to L(ct 4), stamp R again (ct &).
7-8 Repeat meas. 3-4
9-16 Repeat meas 1-8

ORDER OF STEPS
1. First Step: 1x, Second Step: 1x

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

Dance of the Week
  Gorno Oryahovsko Pravo Horo 
    (Music from Bulgaria)     
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Gorno Oryahovskovo Pravo Horo 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 64.
                                        *******

Gorno Oryahovsko Pravo Horo danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Leadership
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

GORNO ORYAHOVSKO PRAVO HORO. . . BULGARIA

Dance Meaning: Gorno Oryahovsko straight hora
Pronunciation: gOrno-orYAhovsko-prAvo-horО
Gorno-Oryahovsko Pravo Horo is named after a town, a town near Veliko Turnovo (NE) called Gorna Oryahovitsa. “Gorno-oryahovsko” is an adjective describing the Horo. “Pravo” means Straight.
Choreography: Jim Gold in Bulgarian folk dance style
Music: Bulgarian Folk Dances and Songs: Bulgarian National Radio Folk Orchestra.  Hristofor Radanov, Conductor
Formation: Open circle leads to the right (counter clockwise)
Handhold: Arms down in V position
Meter: 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 (counted 123,123)
Jim Gold Youtube video: http://bit.ly/2lSbplD
Introduction: 16 measures: Sway to rt and lft
Measures

FIRST STEP
Basic pravo and sway
Moving Diag rt ctr and diag rt back
1 Step diag fwd on R (ct 1), step lft next to R (ct 2)
2 fwd on R ct 1-2)
3 Step fwd on L (ct 1-2)
4 Step diag back on R (ct 1),step lft next to R (ct 2)
5 Step back on R (ct 1-2)
6 Step back on L (ct 2)
7 Sway rt (ct 1-2)
8 Sway lft (ct 1-2)

SECOND STEP
(Video: Hands on hips)
Crosses and lifts
1 Cross R over L (ct 1). step on L in place (ct 2)
2 step R in place (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
3 Step on L (ct 1), lift R (ct 2),
4 Step on R in place (ct 1), step on L in place (ct 2)

THIRD STEP
(Video: Hands down, V position)
Grapevine 8, 2 lifts, 4 twists, and Second Step
Grapevine 8 CCW
1 Step R to rt (ct 1),step L in front of R (ct 2)
2 step R to rt (ct 1, step L behind R (ct 2)
3 Step R to rt (ct 1),step L in front of R (ct 2)
4 step R to rt (ct 1), step L behind R (ct 2)
2 lifts, 4 twists
5 Step on R (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
6 Step on L (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
7 4 twists: Twist heels to the rt (ct 1), lft (ct 2)
8 rt (ct 1), lft (ct 2)
9-16 Repeat Second Step 2x

ORDER OF STEPS
1. First Step: 2x, Second Step: 8x
2. First Step: 2x Second Step: 8x
3. Third Step: On to end: 7x
Note in Third Step: 3 time: Second Step danced 3x

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

Dance of the Week
  Orawa 
    (Music from Poland)      
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Orawa is the Dance of the Week.
Music is from Poland.      
Click on the links below.
See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 145.
                                        *******

Orawa danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Cure and Transition
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

ORAWA. . .POLAND

Dance Meaning: Name of river. From Finnish word for squirrel.
Pronunciation: O-ra-va
Choreography: By Jim Gold. South Poland, Zakopane folk dance style.
Source: Southern Poland, Zakopane and Dunajec River region.
Music: Biesiada Goralska: Orawa
Formation: Open Circle, arms in V position.
Meter: 4/4
Jim Gold YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfrKPt1Ror8
Introduction: 8 measures
Measures

FIRST STEP
Zakopane csardas step
1 Face ctr: Step R to the right (ct 1)
bring L to R (ct 2)
step R to the right (ct 3)
touch L to R (ct 4)
2 Repeat meas. 1 opp ft and opp di
3-4 Repeat meas. 1-2
Dunajec river boat shuffle step
5 Step R (ct 1),tap-brush L (ct &)
Step L (ct 2), tap/brush R (ct &)
Step R (ct 3),tap-brush L (ct &)
Step L (ct 4), tap-brush R (ct &)
6-8 Repeat meas. 1 3x
9-10 Repeat meas. 1-2
11-12 Repeat meas. 1-2

SECOND STEP
Sun shielding circle shuffle step
1-2 Make complete circle to right, arms up, palms flat, shade eyes from sun, repeat Dunajec river boat shuffle step footwork from First Step, measures 5-8
3 Bent wrists on hips: shuffle step into ctr (ct 1-4)
4 Bent wrists on hips: back out of ctr
no shuffle step (ct 1-4)

THIRD STEP
Down-the-Dunajec two-step
1 Step diag to right on R (ct 1)
step on L behind R (ct &)
step slightly fwd on R (ct 2)
Step diag to left on L (ct 3)
step on R behind L (ct &)
step slightly fwd on L (ct 4)
2-4 Repeat meas. 1 3x
Step, Lift
5 Step fwd on R (ct 1), lift L in big sweep (ct 2)
step diag to left on L(ct 3)
bring R behind L (ct &)
step slightly fwd on L (ct 4)
6-8 Repeat meas. 1 3x
9 Step fwd on R (ct 1), lift L in big sweep (ct 2)
step fwd on L (ct 3), big sweep lift R (ct 4)
10 Repeat meas. 5

ORDER OF STEPS
First Step: 2x, Second Step:3x, Third Step:1x
First Step: 1x, Second Step:3x, Third Step:1x
First Step:1x, Third Step:1x,
Ending: measures 11-12
Ending
11 Touch R heel forward (ct 1-2),
touch R heel to R side (ct 3-4)
12 Touch R heel forward (ct 1),
touch R heel forward (ct 2),
place and hold R heel to R side (ct 3-4).

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

Dance of the Week
Mila Mamo Number One
    (Music from Bulgaria/Macedonia)      
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Mila Mamo Number One is the Dance of the Week.
Music is from Bulgaria/Macedonia.      
Click on the links below.
See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 123.
                                        *******

Mila Mamo Number One danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Leadership
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

MILA MAMO NUMBER ONE MACEDONIA

Total Dance Name: NE MOI MA, MILA MAMO, LYOOTO DA KOLNESH
Total Dance Meaning: Dear mother, don’t curse me bitterly. Title translation by Martha Forsyth. ma = dialect form of “mene” (me), lyooto = fiercely (adverb), kolnesh (k’lnesh) – curse (verb)
Nemoi, as far as I know, is a single word. It introduces a negative imperative (“DON’T [do x]”)
Pronunciation: Ne Moy Ma, Meela Mamo
Choreography: by Jim Gold in Macedonian folk dance style.
Music: Makedonski Pesni with Stoyan Djadjev and “Shtchooro Make.”
Formation: Open circle, hands in W position.
Meter: 2/4
Jim Gold YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyiihaJn1i4
Introduction
Measures: 4 measures

FIRST STEP
Pravo Step: Moving diag in and out of ctr
1 R (ct 1), L (ct &),R (ct 2) lift L (ct &)
2 L (ct 1), R (ct &), L (ct 2), lift R (ct &)
8 steps out of ctr
3 Diag out of ctr: R (ct 1), L (ct &), R (ct 2), L (ct &),
4 R(ct 1), L (ct &), R (ct 2). L (ct &)
5-7 Repeat meas 1-3
6 steps out of ctr
8 R (ct 1), L (ct &), tch R to left instep (2)

SECOND STEP
Moving CCW
Balance (sway) grapevine and lifts
1 Balance (sway) to rt on R(ct 1), balance (sway) lft on L (ct 2)
7 step gravevine CCW
2 R to rt (ct 1), L front of R (ct &), step R (ct 2), L behind R (ct 2)
3 R to rt (ct 1), L front of R (ct &), step R balance (sway) (ct 2)
4 Step L to left (ct 1), R behind L (ct &), step L (ct 2), point R to rt (ct &)
 Cherkasia 4
5 Cross R front of L (ct 1), step L in place (ct &)
Step R next to L (ct 2), step L across R (ct &)

ORDER OF STEPS
1. First Step: 2x, Second Step: 4x.

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

Dance of the Week
  Sednach Da Vetcheram
    (Music from Bulgaria)     
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Sednach Da Vetcheram 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 174.
                                        *******

Sednach Da Vetcheram danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Resolved: Life Beyond the Alhambra
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

SEDNACH DA VETCHERAM. . . BULGARIA
Dance Meaning: I sat (down) to dine
Pronunciation: SEDnak da vetCHERiam
Choreography: by Jim Gold in Bulgarian folk dance style
Formation: Open circle, arms in W position.
Jim Gold Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M3v6EvAToQ
Meter: 4/4
Introduction: 4 meas: then Second Step 2x
Measures:
FIRST STEP
Moving LOD:
4 crosses, 2 lifts
1 Face fwd: Step R to rt(ct 1), cross L over R(ct 2)
step R to rt(ct 3), cross L over R(ct 4)
2 Step R to rt(ct 1), lift L(ct 2)
Step L in place (ct 3), lift R(ct 4)
Back, fwd
3 Step back on R(ct 1), step L next to R(ct 2)
Step back on R(ct 3) lft L(ct 4)
4 Step fwd on L(ct 1), close R to L(ct 2)
Step fwd on L(ct 3), lft L behind R calve(ct 4)
5-8 Repeat meas 1-4

SECOND STEP
Moving LOD: two 2-steps
1 Step R in LOD(ct 1), step L next to R(ct 2), step R fwd(ct 3-4)
2 Step L in LOD(ct 1), step R next to L(ct 2), step L fwd(ct 3-4)
8-step grapevine LOD: Face front
3 Step R to rt(ct 1), L behind R with slight dip(ct 2)
R to rt(ct 3), cross L front of R(ct 4)
4 Repeat meas 3
Fwd and bck
5 Fwd into ctr: R(ct 1), L(ct 2), R(ct 3-4)
6 Back from ctr L(ct 1), R(ct 2), L(ct 3-4)
Moving RLOD: 4-step grapevine, crossing step
7 Cross R over L with slight dip(ct 1), L next to R(ct 2),
R behind L with slight dip(ct 3), step L next to R(ct 4)
8 Cross R over L, bringing hands down(ct 1), step L in place(ct 2)
Step R next to L, bring hands up (ct 3-4)
9-12 Repeat meas 5-8
13-14 Repeat meas 1-2
Repeat 8-step grapevine (optional: hand movements down and up)
15 Same ft movement as meas 3
(Optional: Hands move down (ct 1-2), hands move up(ct 3-4)
16 Repeat meas 15, arms remain in W position
17-20 Repeat meas 5-8

ORDER OF STEPS:
1. First Step: 1x Second Step: 3x
2. First Step: 1x Second Step: 3x
3. First Step: 1x

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

Dance of the Week
  Moldavian Hora Lui Aurescu  
    (Music from Moldavia)     
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Moldavian Hora Lui Aurescu is the Dance of the Week.
Music is from Moldova.     
Click on the links below.
See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 125.  
(or see “Read More” below.)

Moldavian Hora lui Aurescu danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Alhamba Freedom/Sales/Self-Amusement 
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

MOLDAVIAN HORA  LUI AURESCU. . . MOLDAVIA
Dance Meaning: Circle Dance from Moldavia
Pronunciation: Moldavian Hora Lou-i Ow-resk-yew
Choreography: by Jim Gold in Romanian folk dance style.
Music: Source unknown
Formation: Open Circle, arms in W position
Meter: 4/4
Jim Gold YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L9yvr3mNlI
Introduction: 4 measures
Measures:

FIRST STEP
Walk into ctr 4 steps. Shaking (twisting) head rt and left
1 Step on R in place (ct 1), L (ct 2), R (ct 3), L (ct 4)
2 Step on R (ct 1), lift L (ct 2), step on L (ct 3), lift R (ct 4)
Walk bkwds 4 steps
3 Step back on R (ct 1), L (ct 2), R (ct 3), L (ct 4)
4 Step on R in place (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
Step on L in place (ct 3), twist-stamp step: stamp on R next to L twisting rt leg diag left (ct &) step on R twisting diag to rt no weight (ct 4)
5-8 Repeat meas 1-4

SECOND STEP
Grapevine and two-step. Moving left
1 Grapevine: Step R over L (ct 1),step L to left side (ct 2)
Step R behind L (ct 3), step L to left side (ct 4)
2 two steps. Continuing left:
2 Step on R (ct 1), step on L (ct &), step on R (ct 2)
Step on L (ct 3), step on R (ct &), step on L (ct 4)
3 Repeat meas. 1
4 1 two-step: Step on R (ct 1), step on L (ct &), step on R (ct 2)
Face ctr: step on L (ct 3), bring R next to L (ct 4)
5-8 Repeat meas 1-4 opp dir, opp ft

THIRD STEP
Facing ctr, syncopated clap and slap step
1 Step R to rt (ct 1), clap (ct &)
Bring L next to R (ct 2), clap (ct &)
Step R to rt (ct 3), clap (ct &)
Clap again. bring L next to R (ct 4)
2 Repeat meas 1 opp. dir, opp. ft
3-4 Repeat meas 1-2
5 Repeat meas 1-4
Hold R hand above head (prepare to slap left inner calf)
Step R to rt (ct 1), slap outer L thigh with left hand (ct &)
Bring L next to R (ct 2), slap outer L thigh with left hand (ct &)
Step to R to rt (ct 3)
Slap outer left thigh again with L hand (ct &)
Slap inner left calf with R hand(ct 4)
Slap outer left thigh with L hand (ct &)
6 Repeat meas 5 opp dir, opp ft with same hand slaps.
7-8 Repeat meas 5-6

ORDER OF STEPS:
1. First Step: 1x, Second Step: 1x, Third Step: 1x
2. First Step: 1x, Second Step: 1x, Third Step: 1
3. First Step: 1x, Second Step: 1x, Third Step: 1x
4. First Step: 1x (Ending)

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

Dance of the Week
  Komaroni  
    (Yiddish Music from Slovakia)     
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Komaroni is the Dance of the Week.
Music is Yiddish from Slovakia.     
Click on the links below.

See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 101.  

Komaroni danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Having Fun 
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

KOMARONI . . . YIDDISH FROM SLOVAKIA
Dance Meaning: Name of town on Danube in Slovakia
Pronunciation: KO-maroni
Choreography: By Jim Gold in Klezmer folk dance style.
Music: Carpati: Yale Strom.
Commentary: Beautiful accordion playing by Peter Stan, the wonderful clarinet and sopranino is by Norbert Stachel, superb guitar by Fred Benedetti and solid bass by Jeff Pekarek. These musicians are all part of Yale Strom & Hot Pstromi. Wonderful choreography to a Rom folk melody often performed by klezmer musicians in Slovakia.
Formation: Open circle. Arms in W position.
Meter: 4/4
Jim Gold YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3aldgjrxII
Introduction: 4 measures
Measures:

FIRST STEP
Moving into ctr, diagonally rightward
1 2 two-steps: R (ct 1), L (ct &), R(ct 2)
L (ct 3), R (ct &), L( ct 4)
2 lift steps
2 Step on R (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
step L (ct 3), lift R (ct 4)
Moving out of ctr, diagonally rightward
3 R (ct 1), L (ct 2), R (ct 3), L (ct 4)
2 Lifts steps
4 Step on R (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
step L (ct 3), lift R (ct 4)
Moving straight into ctr
5 2 two-steps: R (ct 1), L (ct &), R (ct 2)
L (ct 3), R (ct &), L (ct 4)
2 lift steps
5 Step on R (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
step L (ct 3), lift R (ct 4)
Moving out of ctr
7 R over L (ct 1), step on L (ct 2)
R over L (ct 3), step on L (ct 4)
Continue out of circle with a 3-step grapevine
8 Cross R over L (ct 1), step on L in place (ct 2)
Step on R next to L (ct 3), step on L in place (ct 4)

SECOND STEP
Grapevine to the left, CW
9 Cross R over L (ct 1)
step on L to side of R (ct 2)
step on R behind L (ct 3)
step on L to side of R (ct 4)
10 Repeat meas. 9
11 Step on R (ct 1), lift L (ct 2)
Step on L in place (ct 3), kick and point R ft fwd (ct 4)
12 Gypsy turn: Put R heel on floor in front of L ft, turn slowly left (ct 1-4)

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

Dance of the Week
Diri, Diri 
   (Roma from Hungary in Greek mode)     
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
Diri, Diri is the Dance of the Week.
Music is Roma from Hungary in Greek mode.   
See my written instructions
in “Read More” below.

          *****

Diri, Diri danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Spiritual Guitar 
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

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

For written instructions click on “Read More”

Read More →

Dance of the Week
To Dilino 
    (Music from Greece)      
Choreographed by Jim Gold 

Dear Dancers and Travelers,
Welcome to our folk dance family!  
To Dilino is the Dance of the Week.
Music is from Greece.   
See A Treasury of International Folk Dances
Written instructions: p 201.  
(or see “Read More” below.)

To Dilino danced by Jim Gold 

Read a leaf from Jim’s New Leaf Journal:  Argentina and Chile 
Then explore our exciting folk dance and adventure trips at  Folk Tours

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

For written instructions click on “Read More”

Read More →