Armensko

History

A dance from Florina in Greece/Macedonia, also known as Armenskoto, Aloniotikos or Tsotsos. I have learned several variations on this dance from various dancers and groups.

Rhythm

The dance is in an even 4/4 rhythm, in most cases with a step or lift on every beat.
I have seen some versions where the music is in 5/4, split 2-3.

Steps

The basic pattern is three groups of four beats.

Version One

I learned this version from watching various Greek dancers and dance groups.

Start in a line, facing centre, arms in a V hold.

Lift the right foot, then step to the side with the right. Step across behind with the left, then step to the side with the right.
The cross behind step can be replaced by a close, so it becomes lift-side-close-side.

Turning to face right take four steps forwards, starting with the left.
You can do three steps forward and then replace the right while turning to face centre.

Turning to face centre lift the left, then step back on it. Close the right beside the left, then step forward on the left.

I've seen this dance done one beat 'out of sync', starting on the step to the side and with the lifts at the end of each phrase. This was with performing groups and locals in Florina so I don't think it was by accident!

Version Two

I learned this version from Anne Hildyard in 2006

Start in a line, facing centre, arms in a low W hold.

While lifting the right foot do two little bounces (in one beat), then step back on the right, step back on the left, then step to the side with the right.
During the three steps (after the bounces) bring the arms down and then slightly forward while keeping them straight.

Step across in front with the left while swinging the arms back (a little), then step to the side with the right while swinging the arms forward again. Do this twice.
There's a very tiny bounce before stepping across in front each time.

Lift the left foot while doing two little bounces and bringing the arms back up to the low W hold. Step back on the left, close with the right, then step forward on the left.

Version Three

I learned this dance from Rachel Arthur in 2010 as Tsotsos.

Start in a line in a V hold, facing right.

Lift the right foot in front, then step forward on the right. Step on the left foot tucked close to the outside of the right, then step forward on the right.

Step forward on the left, then on the right. Step to the side with the left, then quickly step to the side with the right, and quickly close the left beside the right.

Step to the side with the right, then tuck the left around the right (as at the start). Step forward with the right, then with the left.

As the music speeds up the steps become bouncy, apart from the side steps in the middle which remain close to the ground.

Music

Armensko from Florinalia by Xenos.

Tsotsos (Aloniotiko) from a workshop CD produced by Dimitris Trianafyllidis

The dance can begin at the start of any musical phrase.

Dance description by Andy Bettis - April 2010