Opa Tsupa

History

One of my own choreographies, made from traditional Rom and Macedonian steps.

Rhythm

This is in an even 4/4 rhythm.

Steps

The dance is fairly fast, but the steps are all the same length and on the beat. Apart from some body turning to let the hips move dancers remain facing centre throughout. Each part has a different musical part, so it should be easy to confirm that you are still in the correct sequence.

First part.

This is done four times.

Step with the right to the side, then touch close with the left.
Step with the left to the side and touch close with the right.
Grapevine to the right - right to the side, left cross behind, right to the side, left cross in front.

Second part.

This is only done once.

Take three steps forward, towards the centre. As the previous part ends with the left foot crossing in front it is smoother to take a slightly curved route.
Make a small hop on the right foot with the left raised slightly in front.
Step with the left to the side, the lift the right across and in front.
Repeat with reversed feet, right to the side, left lifted across in front.
Repeat the side lifts, once more to the left and right. (There are four step/lifts after the hop.)
Take three steps back, starting on the left foot.
Touch the right next to the left.

Third part.

This is done eight times.

Move to the left with a grapevine - right cross in front, left to the side, right cross behind, left to the side. This transition is the part to work on - there seems to be a great reluctance for people to move to the left.

Fourth part.

This part is done five and a bit times (don't worry, it fits with the music). It starts with a complete change of direction.

Take three steps to the right, starting with the right foot. (In practice this is nearer to right to the side, left cross in front, right to the side.)
Lift the left foot across in front.
Step with the left to the side.
Lift the right foot across in front.
After five times through there is only time to do the first two steps before the music changes back to the first part. However as the first part starts with side-touches it seems like the fourth part continues through with touches replacing the lifts.

The introduction consists of the music for the fourth part, the dance begins with the singing.

On the third time through the sequence the music speeds up, and the third part (the grapevine) is continued until the end. The first step (the right crossing in front) can be emphasised with a stamp as this happens.

Music

Opa Tsupa from Sans Domicile Fixe by Bratsch.
There is also a live version of this piece on France: Bratsch - Gypsy Music from the Heart of Europe which is MUCH faster!

Dance description by Andy Bettis 10/2002