Khigga

History

An Assyrian dance that I've observed in a variety of places.

Rhythm

The music is in an even 4/4 rhythm with a step on every beat.

I've seen Khigga danced to a 3/4 rhythm, both with even steps and with a 2-1 split, but that's not what I'm describing in these notes.

Steps

Version One

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

Step to the side with the right, then close with the left.
Step to the side with the right, then touch close with the left.
Step to the side with the left, then touch close with the right.

The touch closes are slightly in front of the standing foot.

Variation

After the touch close with the left foot step towards the centre with the left foot while turning to face right, then touch close with the right. While this is happening lower the arms to a V hold.
Turn to face centre again and step back with the right foot, then touch close with the left. While doing this raise the arms back to a W hold.

This variation is called by the leader, and is repeated until another call is made. After stepping back and touch closing with the left foot continue with the basic sequence by stepping to the left and touch closing with the right, then continuing from the start.

Version Two

Start in a line, quite close together with arms held at waist height, facing centre.

Step across in front with the left foot, then step to the side with the right. Do this twice.
I've seen this done with the body turning to face right, four steps forward starting with the left. Face centre after the last step

Touch forward with the left, then close beside the right. Repeat with opposite feet.
The touch forward can be a heel.

Version Three

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

Step to the side with the right, then close with the left. Make sure you put your weight on the left as you close it!

Step forward with the right, quickly close with the left, then step forward with the right (quick-quick-slow).

Point forward with the left, then step back on the left, right, left.

Touch the right beside the left, then step to the side with the right.

Cross in front with the left, then quickly step to the side with the right, then cross in front with the left again (quick-quick-slow).

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

Music

Khigga from In The Orange Grove by Xenos.

Dance description by Andy Bettis - May 2010