Lårdansen/tobaksrullen

Country of origin: Sweden
Type: line dance
Formation: any number of persons` in closed line, couples not required
Steps: running, walking or polska promenade steps [L (1), pause (2) R (3)], depending on the music (see note below)
Music: 2/4, 3/4 [pols, polska, or even hambo] or 3/8 time


	Dance progression

	Tobaksrullen: the dance consists of two sequences, of which the first, known as 'tobaksrullen' is similar if not identical to, a sequence in "väva vadmal" ([in which] the line of dancers winds itself like a reel [of thread] around a 'spool' [ie the head of the line]).

	Lårdansen: The second sequence is described as follows. When all dancers are in a closed circle, after the 'spool' has been unwound, the 'spool' [ie the head of the original line] quickly casts his/her leg over the arm with which he is holding on to his neighbour. All the others do the same [text does not clarify if this is done one by one, or simultaneously, nor which arm - normally in contemporary versions one lifts right leg over right arm]. Thus everyone has one arm [left] between the legs of his/her neighbour [and the other arm between his/her own legs]. Thereupon one dances around [jumping onto both feet in time with the music, and moving CW] while attempting to lift each other off the ground.


	Notes: Lårdansen is assuredly an old, native dance. It is not documented from many places [in Sweden] but was at least known in Dalecarlia and Härjedalen. This description was recorded by Einar Granberg, a school teacher, for Landsmålsarkivet in Uppsala. This unusual and rare dance needs further informants and a more detailed description. Did one use normal running steps, jump on both feet, etc? Preferably, the description should be complemented by sketches or photographs. If there was accompanying music, whether sung or played, that too should be noted and preserved. Also words and expressions used to describe the dance should be preserved. One could, for example, ask whether there is any connection between 'lårdansen' above, and 'låringen (Västergötland), 'lårvals' and 'låra' (Dalecarlia). Compare with the word 'lårad' which occurs in Karlfeldt ("Är snart i salen, av klackjärn fårad, den sista nigande valsen lårad";trans: "Soon the hall by cleats is grooved, the last dipping waltz [any turning dance moving around the floor CCW] is 'lårad'.")

Source: Götlind "Två gamla folkdanser. 1. Sju skävalappen. 2. Lårdansen." Meddelanden från Landsmålsarkivet i Uppsala 1:31-37, 1932.
Translation: Laine Ruus, Oakville, 2016-06-09, rev 2016-06-14.
Note: translator's notes in [square brackets and italics]

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