Drjanovska Râčenica

History

A slow râčenica from Severnjaško in Bulgaria. I learned this dance from Cindy Kelly in 2011.

Rhythm

The music is in 7/8, danced as quick-quick-slow (2-2-3) or slow-slow (4-3).

Steps

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

First part

Step forward with the right (quick), close with the left (quick), step forward with the right (slow).
Repeat with opposite feet but still moving forwards.

The rest of the first part is all done with slow steps.

Facing centre step to the side with the right while bringing the arms forward then down. Step across behind with the left while the arms continue down to V hold.

Facing right of centre step to the side with the right while starting to bring the arms up. Hop on the right while bringing the left foot in front and continuing to raise the arms to W hold.

Step forward with the left, then hop on the left while turning to face centre and bringing the right foot across in front.

Step across in front with the right, then hop on the right.

Facing right of centre step to the side and slightly back with the left while starting to lower the arms. Cross the right behind while bringing the arms down to V hold.

Step to the side with the left while starting to raise the arms. Hop on the left while bringing the arms up to W hold.

Do the first part once.

Second part

Facing centre step forward with the right (slow) while extending the arms forward. Step forward with the left (slow) while bringing the arms back to W hold.
Do this twice.

Step forward with the right (slow) while bringing the arms forward then down. Hop on the right while the arms continue down into V hold.

Step forward with the left (slow) while starting to bring the arms up. Hop on the left (slow) while bringing the arms up to W hold.

Step back with the right (quick), close with the left (quick), step back with the right (slow).
Repeat with opposite feet but still moving backwards.

Step back with the right (slow) while bringing the arms forward then down. Hop on the right while the arms continue down into V hold.

Step back with the left (slow) while starting to bring the arms up. Hop on the left (slow) while bringing the arms up to W hold.

Do the second part twice.

Music

Can be done to any slow râčenica music. You might have to repeat the first part to fit the musical structure.

Dance description by Andy Bettis - March 2011