Creative Rhythms
INTERPRETING AND TEACHING FOLK DANCE
INTERPRETING WRITTEN DIRECTIONS
Each dance description is organized into the following categories: Introduction, formation, parts and a description of the part by beat (or measure).
Introduction: Tells you how many beats before starting the dance. Identify the steady beat of the music and match that beat with the number of beats listed as "introduction". Some dances can be danced to a variety of music and will designate "any 8 count phrase".
Formation: The majority of the dances are done in one formation.
Broken circle: Dancers are arranged in a single circle with one place in which the hands are not joined, thus establishing a leader.
Free formation: Dancers are scattered around the dance space in a random pattern.
Open circle: Dancers are arranged in circle formation except no hands are joined.
Double circle (partners side by side facing CCW or CW): Partners are arranged in an inner and outer circle with both dancers facing the same direction.
Double circle (partners facing each other): Same as above, except partners are facing each other. Outside partner faces IN, inside partner faces OUT.
Single circle (partners side by side facing same direction): Partners are arranged in a single circle with both dancers facing IN or OUT, CCW or CW
Single circle (partners facing each other) Partners are in a single circle, facing each other (one facing CW, one facing CCW).
Positions:
"T" position: Arms are extended sideward at shoulder level to the near shoulder of the dancers on either side. Elbows are straight Right arms are in back and left arms are in front.
"V" position: Hands are joined with arms down The left palm faces to the rear (OUT) and the right palm faces to the front (IN) The left palm is on top.
"W" position: Hands are joined at shoulder level with elbows bent. The right hand supports the neighbor's left hand. A convenient way to form this position is to take the "V" position and raise the arms (bend elbows).
Closed position: Facing each other, the leader's right hand is at partner's upper back, left palm supports partner's right hand at shoulder level. Follower places left hand on leader's upper right arm.
Sweetheart position: Side by side, right hands are joined at follower's right shoulder, left hands are joined in front.
Folk dance steps:
Balance: (Also "Pas de Bas" or "'Three"). Consists of three steps executed either in place or while dancer is moving. It is a schottische step without a hop. Cue: STEP, 2, 3, REST
Cherkessiya: A sequence of four weight changes executed in a forward and backward or IN and OUT rocking motion. Cue: FORWARD, BACK, BACK, FORWARD or IN, OUT, OUT, IN.
Grapevine: A sequence of four or more movements executed sideward. Cue: CROSS, SIDE, BACK, SIDE or SIDE, CROSS, BACK, SIDE
Polka: A sequence of four motions with 3 weight changes. It is often considered a two-step preceded by a hop. Cue: (HOP) STEP, CLOSE, STEP.
Schottische: A sequence of three walking or running steps and a hop (or a kick brush, scoff, etc.) Cue: RUN, RUN, RUN, HOP. Often referred to as "grapevine schottische)
Two-step: Similar to the polka, but is done without the hop. Cue: STEP, CLOSE, STEP.
Waltz: Three even steps with an accent on the first. Cue: FORWARD, 2, 3 or DOWN, UP, UP
Yemenite: Consists of three steps done in a side4o~ide pattern. Cue: SIDE, SIDE, CROSS, REST.
Terminology (and abbreviations): The directions are based on the dancer's relationship to the circle.
CLOSE: Step together.
FORWARD or BACKWARD: Moving forward or backward CCW or CW around the circle
HOLD or REST: No weight change occurs on that beat.
IN or OUT: Toward (IN) or away from (OUT) the center of circle.
IN PLACE: Weight changes are made without traveling,
PIVOT: Generally a 18O° turn on one foot.
RIGHT or LEFT: Means the foot (R or L) is bearing the weight.
SCISSORS: Leaping in place while alternately kicking the feet forward or back (IN or OUT).
SIDE: A step to the side, moving CCW or CW around the circle.
TOGETHER: TOG means weight is on both feet.
TOUCH: No weight change; merely touch the heel or toe in designated direction.
LEARNING THE DANCE
- Read through the instructions and attempt to make the weight changes in place, saying the cues aloud as you do them. Each bold cue is the equivalent of one beat. Cues separated by a slash mark (STEP/STEP) means two steps are done on one beat (e.g., Ct 1 &). Repeat this portion until you can shift your weight rhythmically to the cues.
- Check the formation. If a partner is needed, practice with one.
- Check for repetitions of steps or parts.
- Listen to the music. Attempt to find the underlying beat and count the introduction.
- If there is more than one part, master each one before moving on to the next.
- Say the cues to the music without dancing.
- Dance to the music until you can do the dance without any cues.
TEACHING THE DANCE: KISS = Keep It Short and Simple!
- Know the dance "forward and backward" before presenting it to a class. Teach it to a friend. This will help you see potential problems.
- Have the cues written on an index card for reference. This should be a simple reminder that makes sense to you.
- Try to teach it in the formation in which it is danced. If, however, it seems too complicated to do that, arrange the students so they are all facing the same direction that you are facing (free formation, lines, etc.)
- Where should the instructor stand? If students have to mirror your movement, you must be prepared to alter your directions (call "right", but move "left"). It is generally easier if you face away from the class. If teaching in a circle, the instructor should be a part of the circle. Teaching from the center is too confusing.
- Teach quickly, but by parts.
- Name the dance, give some background, and play a short piece of the music.
- Demonstrate the first step or phrase at a normal walking speed
- Cue the class through this first step. Repeat until the majority can perform it at normal speed. Follow this method for the remaining parts.
- Give class time to practice at their own pace. Might put them in groups of twos or threes to help each other.
- Cue the class "walk through" the entire dance without stopping (no music). Repeat this step until they are moving "up to tempo" (of the music).
- Teach any stylized arm, head or body actions.
- Listen to music. Cue the introduction. Repeat this, having the class cue aloud through the dance (still not dancing).
- Class dance to music. Cue as necessary. Class will have learned it when they no longer need to hear the cues or rely on you to lead them.
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