Bătrîneasca din Vicov

History

A Romanian dance. I learned this from Adrian Pointon in 2010.

Rhythm

The dance is in a 7/8 rhythm split 2-2-3 (short, short long). In parts two and three the split is 4-3, the first of each pair of steps is slightly longer than the second.

Steps

Start in a circle, facing right with unjoined hands.

First Part

Take three quick steps forward, starting with the right, while making small clapping motions with the hands but not making any sound. Repeat starting with the left.

Do the first part four times. On the last time through turn to face centre on the last step.

Second Part

Join hands in a W hold. From here on the steps are all slow, but the first of each pair is longer than the second.
Step across in front with the right, then step to the side with the left. Cross behind with the right, then step to the side with the left. Do this again but on the last step just touch the foot in place.
Repeat all of this starting with the left foot.

Third Part

Take three slow steps forward, starting with the right, then touch close with the left. Repeat going backwards, starting with the left.
Step forward with the right, then touch close with the left. Step back with the left, then close with the right.
Bounce four times with both feet on the ground. On the last bounce let go hands and turn to face right, ready to start the sequence again.

On the fourth time through the sequence repeat the third part to finish.

Music

From a workshop CD - no more information I'm afraid.

There's a short introduction, the dance begins with the singing.

Dance description by Andy Bettis 3/2010