3 measure chain dance
The most common social chain dance in many countries from the Caucasians through southern Europe is based on a 3 measure motif, non-concordant with the music;
step-step, step (&wait), step (&wait)
Structuring in 3 motifs is often termed "ternary" in connection with Romanian dance analysis.
Note: within musical terminology "ternary" describes an A-B-A structure of the piece where B is a contrasting part or another dance. In Romanian dance terminology "ternary" is used for micro structuring of motifs or steps in threes.
3 measure chain dance types
In Romania this is found in the Carpathian Brâul and in the common Sârba.
- Carpathian Brâul is generally a moderate tempo dance in 2/4, although there are many more complex derivatives. This dance is mostly considered to be one of the oldest dance types in Romania.
- Common Sârba is a lively dance in 2/4, with the melody often in compound time.
- "Ternary" structure Hora type includes a number of dances to Hora music that are based on 3 measure structures non-concordant with the 4 measure music.
- Dances with commands to Sârba type music, with a "ternary" structure, are mostly found in Moldavia. These are probably related to Brâul bătrân, however are generally classified as Sârbe.
Choreographic form, motifs, music
| type | names | form
|
structure | motifs | music |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpathian Brâul | Brâul, Corăgheşte | shoulder hold | 3 measure, plimbăre travelling to the right & figures | 3 measure, syncopation, stamping, heel clicks | 2/4 |
| common Sârba | Sârba | shoulder hold | 3 measure, plimbăre travelling to the right & figures | 3 measure, stamping, heel clicks | 2/4 compound time |
| "Ternary" Hora | Jianul, Balta, Salta | hands joined at shoulder height | 3 measure phrases non-concordant with music | walking, stamps, heel lifts, leaps | 2/4 |
References
© Eliznik2008, Last updated Apr-08