Râka |
" hands " |
north-east |
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Bulgaria |
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2 or 4 measure phrases |
walking, stamps, arms circling and swings |
2 / 4 |
Hora mare dance types |
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There are a number of common step sequences;
� 1 measure- simple walking, steps across in front, steps behind.
� 2 measure- three steps forward & close, three steps back and close.
� 4 measure- steps changing weight: s-s-q-q-s etc( s = slow, q = quick). The slow step can be replaced by " step, stamp " or " par-de-bar " and then becomes similar to Brâul pădurenesc, Brâul bătrân from Banat and many fixed form Sârbe.
type names form structure motifs music
1 measure |
Hora, Hora mare, Hora dreaptă, Hora de mână, Periniţa |
hands joined at shoulder height |
1 measure phrases |
walking, stamps |
2 / 4 |
2 measure |
Hora, Hora mare, Hora dreaptă, Hora de mână |
hands joined at shoulder height |
2 measure phrases |
walking, stamps |
2 / 4 |
4 measure |
Hora, Hora mare, Hora dreaptă, Hora de mână |
hands joined at shoulder height |
4 measure phrases |
walking, stamps |
2 / 4 |
3 measure chain dance
The most common social chain dance in many countries from the Caucasians through southern Europe is based on a 3 measure motif, non-concordant with the music; Structuring in 3 motifs is often termed " ternary " in connection with Romanian dance analysis. Note: within musical terminology " ternary " describes an A-B-A structure of the piece where B is a contrasting part or another dance. In Romanian dance terminology " ternary " is used for micro structuring of motifs or steps in threes.
3 measure chain dance types
In Romania this is found in the Carpathian Brâul and in the common Sârba.
� Carpathian Brâul is generally a moderate tempo dance in 2 / 4, although there are many more complex derivatives. This dance is mostly considered to be one of the oldest dance types in Romania.
� Common Sârba is a lively dance in 2 / 4, with the melody often in compound time.
� " Ternary " structure Hora type includes a number of dances to Hora music that are based on 3 measure structures non-concordant with the 4 measure music.
� Dances with commands to Sârba type music, with a " ternary " structure, are mostly found in Moldavia. These are probably related to Brâul bătrân, however are generally classified as Sârbe.