Balada Za Angele

History

One of my own choreographies, using traditional steps. The name means "Angele's Tune" and refers to Angele Dimovski from whom Marem Aliev (the bagpipe player) learned the song.

Rhythm

18/8, but don't let that worry you. The musical rhythm has 8 'beats' of which numbers 3 and 6 are long, giving a pattern of 2-2-3-2-2-3-2-2. The dance combines the pairs of quicker 'beats' to make them longer, giving a pattern of 4-3-4-3-4, a 5 beat phrase where the second and fourth beats are slightly faster than the others. Just listen to the drum and all will be OK.

Steps

Dancers in a circle, with arms in a W hold. The dance can be done in a line with the leader at the right if numbers are small (or very large). Start off facing slightly right of centre.

Step to the side with the right foot.
Lift the left across and in front of the right, slightly away from the standing leg.
Step across in front with the left.
Step to the side with the right, turning to face the centre.
Lift the left foot beside the right calf.
Step forward on the left foot.
Lift the right foot beside the left calf.
Step back on the right foot.
Close the left beside the right.
Lift the right foot in front, slightly away from the standing leg. Turn to slightly right of centre as you go back to the first step.

The differences in beat lengths are subtle but important, try to make sure you are stepping with the drum beat. Steps are small and controlled.

The dance steps fit the musical phrase, wait until you are sure of the rhythm and then start at the beginning of any musical phrase.

Music

Balada Za Angele from Oriental Gypsy Cocktail by Ssassa (CF2225). Contact www.ssassa.ch for ordering information.

Dance description by Andy Bettis 7/2002