A dance or figure which became popular in the 1300s, rather than a step per se.
Usually danced to 4/4 or 2/4 time music, either in a two-hand hold with partner or in a circle of 2 or more couples.
E.g. in 2-hand hold with partner, turn CW to change places with partner. with 2 allemande simple followed by an allemande double. Ditto CCW.
[Source: Sjöberg, Henry Folkets danser. Brevskolan, 1977 pp.65-66.]
Ie a step that moves forward or backward, as opposed to the branles which were danced to the side, usually to the L, ie CW around the floor.
allemande simple: see step-hop
allemande double: see reinlender/schottis, on beat (4) swinging free foot forward, toes pointed. M and W usually use opposite footwork.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L R L ^ R L R ^ Woman: R L R ^ L R L ^Steps are small and smooth, with svikt (lift, denoted by '^' in the above).
May be danced to 2/4 or 3/4 time rhythms. Always danced on the spot.
Right balancé to 2/4-time music: step R to R side (1:1), cross L
foot in front of R touching L toe to the floor (1:2), and pull R foot
forward to immediately behind L foot (1:3), pause (1:4). Balancé to the
left with opposite footwork.
Right balancé to 3/4-time music: step R to the side (1:1), cross L
foot in front of R touching L toe to the floor (1:2), and pull R foot
forward to immediately behind L foot 1:3). Balancé to the left with
opposite footwork.
Beat (4/4-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4
L R L R L R
side cross back side cross back
Beat (3/4-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3
L R L R L R
side cross back side cross back
Balancé (var. 2): danced over 2 bars, essentially side-step + step-swing, as follows
Hopsabalancé; a balancé in hopsa rhythm.
'Toe-step': (hop on L foot while touching R toe to floor crossed in front of R foot. Repeat with opposite footwork.
Source: Finlands Svenska Folkdansring/ 10 finlandssvenska folkdanser. (Instruktionshäfte 1) 2:a uppl.
[Helsingfors]: Finlands Svenska Folkdansring rf, 1974. p.22.
Jamvektsteg:
a step in place, to 2/4-time music. Essentially a balancé step but without the cross-over.
Step L to L side (1:1) with a dip and lift, close R to L with a dip and lift (1:2),
step R to R side (1:1) with a dip and lift, close L to R (1:2) with a dip and lift.
Contrast with kedelflikkertrin.
Can be done to 2/4, 3/4, or 4/4 music. May be danced forward, backward, to either side, as well as turning,
When dancing as a couple, M and W dance the same step at the same time, usually with opposite
footwork.
Step: eg starting with outside foot (ML/WR), step forward on outside
foot (1:1), step inside foot slightly forward of outside foot (1:2),
step forward on outside foot (1:3), lift ('svikt') (1:4)
To 2/4-time music: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2;:4 Man: L close R L svikt R close L R svikt Woman: R close L R svikt L close R L svikt To 3/4-time music: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L close R L-svikt R close L R-svikt Woman: R close L R-svikt L close R L-sviktBytomfotsteg: in Norwegian folkdancing, there are several types of bytomfotsteg. Danced forward, backward or turning. When turning, a form of totaktsnu 2 bars==1 full turn.
Chassé versus pas de bourré: in pas de bourré the foot on beat
(n:2) passes the foot stepped onto in beat n:1. In Danish chassé, however,
it does not, so beat (n:2) closes rather than passes.
Le pas anglois: danced to 2/4 time music. On beat (n:2) the following foot stays behind the leading foot.
[See Danses anglois avec un éclaircissement précis
des figures pour les commençans, d'un boheme. Vienne: 1777.]
See YouTube videos:
vaihtoaskel - Suomen Nuorisoseurat
askel-vaihtoaskel - Suomen Nuorisoseurat (walk-chassé)
Usually danced to 2/4 time music. M and W do same step at same time. Related to open ballad step.
Step forward (in LOD) on L foot (count 1), step on R slightly in front
on L (count 2), step forward on L (count 3),
with good lift (svikt) bounce again on L foot while touching ball of R
foot beside L (count 4), step forward on R (count 5), with good lift
(svikt)
bounce again on R foot while touching ball of L foot beside R foot
(count 6).
The amount of forward movement on count 2 varies with different groups.
Also, although it is not considered proper form, some groups dance
slightly in toward
centre on count 5. The 6 count pattern repeats without regard to
phrasing in the music.
M bow and W curtsey. For direction, repeats, etc,, see individual dance descriptions.
A wide variety of figuré steps , ie steps intended to display one's prowess as a dancer. These steps often do not travel, but are
danced on the spot. Includes, but are not limited to:
- balancé/pas de bas (Danish, Swedish) | hyppyvappuaskele (Finnish) | jamvektsteg (Norwegian)
| pas de bas/pas de basque (English),
- Franske reeltrin (Danish),
- haaraperushyppy (Finnish) | jumping jacks, without the arm movement (English),
- hapanmykky (Finnnish),
- hæl og tå (Danish) | kantavarvashyppely (Finnish) | klack och tå/häl och tå (Swedish)
| heel-toe (English),
- kedelflikkertrin (Danish) | trampsteg, stampsteg (Swedish-speaking Finland) |
figurersteg med 3 trin (SSS)(Norwegian) | pas de basque steg (Swedish) | stamp or 'cross-back-close' (English),
- melkutus (Finnish),
- klacksteg/polkaklacksteg (Swedish-speaking Finland) | kanta-askelikkoja (Finnish) | heel step (English),
- reel (Danish) | enkeliskahyppely (Finnish) | engelska (Swedish) | jig step (US-English),
- ripaska (Finland)
- appel (Danish) | polkua (Finnish) | markering (Swedish) | stamp/stomp (English), esp stamp/stomp sequences,
- hop med fodskift (Danish) | tanila (Finnish) | figurersteig med eitt trinn [Norwegian] | Blekingsteg (Swedish) jämnfotahop (Swedish)
| scissor-step [English] | pas de ciseaux (French) | Scherenschritt (German),
- hop med fodskift (Danish) | varvashyppely (Finnish) | sparksteg (Swedish) | kick step (English),
- tå-hæl (Danish) | varvaskantahyppely/isovarvas (Finnish) | toe-heel (English),
- vindeliska/vengerka/wengerka (Finnish, Swedish),
- vippetrin (Danish) | pas de rigaudon (PDR) (French)
A variety of figuré steps can be seen in this video of a Karelian wedding circa 1920.
Usually danced to 2/4 time music. A variant of step-hop.
Normally beginning with outside (ML/WR) foot: step forward on
outside foot (1), chug backward on outside foot (ie hop on outside foot
while sliding it backward) (1 &), while swinging inside foot forward
to repeat with opposite footwork (2 &).
Danced to 2/4 or 4/4-time music. A setting step rather than a travelling step.
Step: On the spot, step onto L foot (1:1),
swinging R foot forward (1:2), hopping on L foot swinging R foot to R side (1:3) and, again hopping on L foot,
close R foot to L (1:4). Repeat with opposite footwork.
Normally, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
In 2/4-time rhythm:
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4
Man: step R hop R hop R step L hop L hop L
L-fwd L-side L-back R-fwd R-side R-back
Woman: step L hop L hop L step R hop R hop R
R-fwd R-side R-back L-fwd L-side L-back
Usually danced to 2/4 time music. A variant of step-hop but faster.
A dance, rather than a step per se, danced to fast 2/4 time music.
A polka in a fast tempo (120 to 176 bpm), usually danced in waltz hold with a partner.
Steps are the same as sideløbstrin (slip-steps)
or polka, but the hop is more pronounced and both steps and hop travel farther.
May be danced CW, CCW, or turning either at end of each musical phrase or with every step (2 steps = 1 full turn),
depending on country and dance. When not turning, it is a series of sideløbstrin (slip-steps).
See Galopp (Tanz) [in German] and videos DanceTime - Galop - Victorian era couple dances, the first galop (gallopade), 1829.
A travelling step, danced to any time signature. Normally danced forward or backward, singly or as a couple,
and moving in LOD or RLOD.
Step: Normally danced with the active foot stepping heel first onto the floor, then rolling onto ball of foot (with a lift) when moving
forward. When moving backward, ball of foot steps onto floor first, followed by heel. When several are danced
in sequence, alternate feet.
Keinuva kävelyaskel: = step-lift, danced to 3/4 time music, 1 step per bar.
Sviktegongesteg: = walk, with one or two lifts, depending on the rhythm of the music.
In Noregian dancing, when turning, one of the class of eintaktsnu - 1 bar=1 full turn.
See YouTube videos walk - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, keinuva kävelyaskel, slow walking step to 2/4 time - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, gångsteg - Skansens folkdanslag
Not a travelling step.
Facing partner, hands free, (&) weight on L foot, R foot in position 3 behind, flexing L leg (1:1) hop on L foot,
extending R foot out sideways to R, (1:2) step forward R on ball of foot,
(1:3) step forward L on ball of foot, (2:1) hop on both feet, (2:3) pause (similar to Scottish setting step)
Similar to sidestep or buzzstep, but danced forwards or backwards, and are long and smooth.
Step forward with (usually) outside (ML/WR) foot (1:1), close inside foot to outside foot (1:3).
Repeat as required.
Note: when more than one glissadetrin is danced sequentially, it is always the same foot that leads on the first
beat.
Baglæns glissadetrin [backwards glissadetrin]: in waltz hold , step a bit backwards on outside (?) foot, close inside (?) foot to it. [Foreningen til Folkedansens Fremme (FFF)/ Beskrivelse af gamle danske folkedanse hefte III. 5th ed. København: Foreningen til Folkdansens Fremme, 1983, p. 25.]
Danced singly, on the spot.
Step: Begin with feet together. Jump onto both feet, wide apart sideways (1:1). Jump onto both feet together (1:2).
See also tanila.
See YouTube videos: skomager skotsk, haaraperushyppy - Suomen Nuorisoseurat.
A dance rather than a step per se. Consists of introductory or promenade steps plus a turning step.
The turning step is a generic R-foot 3-step turn. See also pols/polska
variants for the L-foot 3-step turn.
One turning step comprises a full (360-degree) couple turn done with 3 physical foot movements.
Danced to 3/4-time music in hambo/springpols rhythm.
Turn is most commonly CW but may also be done CCW (reverse) with opposite footwork.
W dances M's pols/polska step, while M starts on his R foot.
Ie the step is the same for M and W, but each starts at a different point in the 3-step sequence.
The step onto the R foot alone (ie not 'both') is done forwards in the
LOD. On both, the feet are apart, to allow room for the partner's R foot
between.
Beat: 1 2 3 1 2 3 Man: R L both R L both Woman: L both R L both ROne complete hambo sequence is danced over 8 bars of 3/4-time hambo music. It consists of 2 dalsteg beginning stepping onto outside (ML/WR) foot and moving forward in LOD holding inside hands (1-2), followed by a tresteg, 4 turning hambo steps in polska hold (4-7), and a final tresteg forward in LOD again holding inside hands (8). Note: on bar 4, M swings 1/2 turn CW to face partner. This is a generic version of the hambo; there are numerous variants, such as hambopolska, nighambo, stöthambo, springpols (more svikt (lift) on beat 3 than on beat 1), etc. Steps are small and smooth or bouncy, depending on the music and the regional style of hambo.
See YouTube videos of hambo: 1, 2, 3.
See also hambo in Wikipedia [in Swedish]
Danced usually to 2/4 time music.
Likely a precursor to the polka, as many hamborgar tunes reappear as polka tunes a few years later.
May be danced forward in LOD, or in RLOD, and may turn CW or CCW. One full turn is danced over 2 bars of music.
Man: step L foot to the side with a slight lift (1:1), close R foot to L with a slight lift (1:2), step L foot to
the side with a dip-lift (1:4);
step R foot to the side with a slight life (2:1), close L foot to R with a lift (2:2), R to the side with a dip-lift (2:4).
Woman dances with opposite footwork. Danish sources generally describe it as 'run-run-walk'.
Danish hamborger: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L^ R^ L R^ L^ R Woman: R^ L^ R L^ R^ L Norwegian hamborgar: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L^ R^ L ^ R^ L^ R ^ Woman: R^ L^ R ^ L^ R^ L ^As a couple dance, usually 2 or more hamborgar steps are danced straight forward (promenade) in open waist-shoulder hold or waltz hold, before the couple begins turning, in closed waist-waist or waist-shoulder hold, [or waltz hold]. [as taught by Rune Lotsberg, Trollhaugen 1988-08-06]
See videos of Danish hamborger Folkets Hus Spillefolk, Rejseorkestret, and Norwegian hamborgar.
Hamburska in Swedish-speaking parts of Finland and on Åland is currently danced as follows:
Danced to 3/4-time music. Promenade and turning steps are danced in LOD. Turning is usually CW.
Promenade steps are usually walking, running, or fotombytesteg/tresteg (change step).
Promenade step ends and turning steps can begin
when couple is about to step forward on outside (ML/WR) foot.
Turning step, Finnish hamburska step, is as follows:
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Men (L-hamburska step): L R R-hop L R R-hop Women (R-hamburska step): R L L-hop R L L-hopSee: Sjöberg, Henry/ Dans i lustgården: folklig dans under fyra århundraden. s.l.: Sörmlands museums förlag, [2005]. pp 73-83.
Danced singly, on the spot, to 2/4-time music.
Step: While hopping 3 times on R foot, dance 1 heel-toe step with L foot (1), then swing
L foot forward (toes pointed) (2:1), and leap onto L foot while swinging R foot back from the knee (2:2).
Repeat with opposite footwork.
See YouTube video: hapanmykky - Suomen Nuorisoseurat.
Usually danced to 2/4 or 4/4 time music, either in a two-hand hold with partner or in a closed circle of couples.
When turning CW: step L (1:1), hop L, swinging R foot forward, toes pointed, ready for next step (1:&), step forward R (1:2),
swing L foot forward ready for next step (1:&) etc. If the music is fast, this becomes a skip step.
In Noregian dancing, when turning, one of the class of eintaktsnu - 1 bar=1 full turn.
Both-R-hop: hop onto both feet (1:1), hop onto R foot, lifting L foot behind (1:3))
See also allemande simple, scissor steps, vippetrin.
See YouTube videos: hyppyaskel (slow & fast) - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, hoppsteg - Skansens folkdanslag.
Danced to 2/4 (or 3/4) time music. One full turn is danced over 2 bars of music.
In polska rhythm: M steps back on L foot in LOD (1:1), close R to L foot while turning
1/2 turn CW (1:3) (ie, pivot on heels), step forward on R (2:1), close L
to R and turn CW (2:3). W starts forward on R foot, and dances with opposite footwork. Tanhuvakka p. 52]
An alternative description reads: M steps around W on R (1:1), and
around W on L (1:3), close R to L (2:1), and pivot CW on heels (2:3). W
closes R to L (1:1), pivots CW on heels (1:3), step around partner on R
(2:1), and around partner on L (1:3). [Jussi Aronen and Lennu Yläneva for Stockton folk dance camp 1999]
Version III Beat: 1:1 1:3 2:1 2:3 3:1 3:3 4:1 4:3 Man: R L both pivot R L both pivot Woman: both pivot R L both pivot R LSee YouTube videos Svengi 2019 - version III, Suomen Nuorisoseurat - humppahtava (humppa rhythm). Suomen Nuorisoseurat - keinoahtava Suomen Nuorisoseurat - polskamainen (polska rhythm) - Suomen Nuorisoseurat
Danced to 2/4 time music. See also Finnish humppa.
Occasionally described as a waltz step done to polka rhythm, or as a
polka step, but beginning with a leap, rather than ending with a hop.
Movement is forward and back, rather than side to side as in polka. It
is very bouncy.
May be danced forward, backwards, or turning, either CW or CCW as a
couple. May be preceded by one or two tyrolertrin. When turning, two
full steps equal one full turn.
Man: leap onto L foot, slightly to the side and with a slight dip
(1:1), close R foot to and slightly behind L (1:2), L beside R (1:3),
pause on L, raising R ready to leap onto it (1:4);
leap onto R foot, slightly to the side and with a slight dip (2:1),
close L foot to and slightly behind R (2:2), R beside L (2:3), pause on
R, raising L ready to leap onto it (2:4).
Woman uses opposite footwork.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L R L R L R Woman: R L R L R LSteps are small and bouncy.
See YouTube videos with Karl Skaarup Four without Karl Skaarup 2016 (at 21:42), Karl Skaarup Four without Karl Skaarup 2016 (at 14:30)
Danced to 2/4 time music.
A travelling but not a turning step.
Man's hornpipe step:
(1:1) Step diagonally forward to the L on L foot
(1:2) Step R foot behind L
(1:3) Step diagonally forward to the L on L foot
(1:4) Step R foot diagonally forward to R
(2:1) Step L foot behind and to the right of R foot
(2:2) Jump up, swinging R foot around and to the R
(2:3) Land on both feet, with L heel touching R instep (3rd position)
(2:4) Pause.
In some places M landed on R foot on (2:4) above, lifting L foot up behind.
Woman's step can be the same as M's, or with opposite footwork (see below).
Alternate woman's hornpipe step:
(1:1) Step diagonally forward to the R on R foot
(1:2) Step L foot behind R
(1:3) Step diagonally forward to the R on R foot
(1:4) Step L foot diagonally forward to L
(2:1) Step R foot behind and to the right of L foot
(2:2) Jump up, swinging L foot around and to the L
(2:3) Land on both feet, with R heel touching L instep (3rd position).
(2:4) Pause.
Note: the first 16 bars can be danced in either of two ways:
(1) if W dances the same step as M, the couple moves together as a couple in a zig-zag path to the left, then back to the right;
(2) if W dances with opposite footwork, the couple dances away from each other during the first 3 beats, then towards each other.
See YouTube videos:
1,
2 .
Danced to 2/4 time music.
See also Danish hopsa. Two main types.
'regular' humppa: change-step, and
kävelyhumppa: simply a running step.
Videos:
'regular' humppa and
kävelyhumppa.
Danced with partner on the spot, or in a larger multi-dancer circle,
turning either CW or CCW (reverse buzz-step),often to either 2/4,
3/8 or 3/4 time. Step is the same for M and W.
When danced with a partner, normally in waltz hold, standing facing and slightly to the L of partner.
Turning CW, R foot turns on the spot [toe pointing at partner],
while L foot 'pushes'. When turning CCW (reverse buzz-step), stand slightly to R of partner, reverse footwork.
When dancing with more dancers, moving CW R foot is crossed in front
of L, R toe pointing into centre of circle, and R foot is moved only a
little CW, for each step L takes. Opposite footwork when moving CCW.
When changing from buzz step to reverse buzz step, do a small
lift/hop on R foot, while swinging L foot across in front of R on first beat of the bar.
2/4 time: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 M/W, turning CW: R L R L R L R L M/W, turning CCW: L R L R L R L R 3/8 or 3/4 time: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 M/W, turning CW: R L R L M/W, turning CCW: L R L R
See YouTube videos: hurretrin - couple, hurretrin - in closed circle, kisa askel - Suomen Nuorisoseurat
Danced to 2/4 time music. May be danced forward or backward, or
turning CW or CCW. May be danced singly or with a partner. 1 bar of
music=1 hyllytys step.
M dances forward L (1:1), close R to L and rise onto ball of foot (1:2) lower heels back onto floor (1:3), pause (1:4).
Second step begins with R foot. Woman's footwork is opposite.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L both^ lower pause R both^ lower pause where ^ denotes a lift onto balls of both feet. Woman: R both^ lower pause L both^ lower pause
See YouTube video: hyllytys - Suomen Nuorisoseurat
A travelling step, danced singly, with a partner, or in a group. Normally danced forward or backward.
and moving in LOD or RLOD.
Step: May be danced (a) with the active foot stepping heel first onto the floor, then rolling onto ball of foot when moving
forward, or (b) ball of foot steps onto floor first, followed by heel.
When several are danced in sequence, alternate feet.
Puolijuoksu is danced similar to alternative (a) above, but with bent knees, upper
body straight and perpendcular to floor. It is part-way between a walk and a run.
See YouTube videos juoksu - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, puolijuoksu - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, springsteg - Skansens folkdanslag
Usually danced with one partner, polska or waltz hold, to 3/4 or 3/8 time music. As a couple dance, usually consists of
two or more parts: a promenade, a couple turn (almost always a CW turn), and in some places, a reverse turn (ie CCW) often called bakmes.
Especially the couple turn may be danced on the spot (fläckpolska) or moving in LOD around the floor.
Försteg (promenade step): outside foot forward (1:1), inside foot forward (1:3). In most but not all polskas the promenade step begins with outside foot.
In some dances of this class, there is no documentation describing a promenade step, only the turning step.
See: polskor från Bingsjö with Margareta and Leif Virtanen
Couple turn is usually turning CW, and is often smooth and flowing. One bar of music constitutes one full 360-degree turn.
The following describes the Left-foot 3-step turn:
M: L foot forward (in front of and facing partner) and diagonally to
the L with heel in the LOD (1:1), turning 1/3 turn CW and stepping R
foot behind L about a foot apart (1:2),
turning 1/3 turn CW and stepping R forward (between partner's feet) in the LOD, somewhat to R of L
foot (1:3).
W: R foot slightly to side and close L to R (1:1), R a small step to
the side, turning 1/3 turn CW (1:2), L foot forward, turning 1/3 turn CW (1:3).
See: Foreningen til Folkedansens Fremme (FFF)/ Gamle danse fra forskellige egne. 3 opl.
København: Foreningen til Folkdansens Fremme, 1998, p. 7.
May also be done to 2/4 or 4/4 time music as in
Femskaft, Møn and
Sønderhoning.
Or danced with 3 persons, see Søren Fogeds styk´, Sønderhoning, Fanø
Especially in Norway and Sweden, a large variety of local pols/polska variations have been documented and are still danced.
Denmark
Jy[d]sk på næsen/vims (3/4 or 3/8-time music) Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L R-L R L R-L R Woman: R-L R L R-L R L Polonaisetrin (2/4 or 3/4-time music), eg Sønderhoning, Fannikedans, Rask) Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L both R L both R Woman: both R L both R L Flyv[e]gal (3/4-time music) Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L R-L R L R-L R Woman: R L-R L R L-R LNorway/Sweden
'Left foot' pols/polska - 'generic' version Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L both R L both R Woman: both R L both R L 'Right foot' pols/polska - 'generic' version, e.g. hambo Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: R L both R L both Woman: L both R L both R
See videos from:
Denmark: jysk på næsen,
Habadekuk plays Jysk på Næsen 2010,
polonaise (CW and CCW),
Sønderhoning,
Sønderhoning (Varde 2019),
RETHINK Folk Music + Nordisk Dans præsenterer: Sønderhoning 2017,
Finland: Finnish polska/hamburska variations - Suomen Nuorisoseurat,
Vapaasti tanssittuna - Kolme 2019
Norway: 'generic' pols,
pols frå Finnskogen,
pols frå Røros,
Sweden:
polskor från Bingsjö with Tommy and Ewa Englund
polskor från Bingsjö with Margareta and Leif Virtanen
polska från Boda with Britt Eklund and Mats Bäckstam
polska från Rättvik with Margareta and Leif Virtanen
svingedans från Skåne with Margareta and Leif Virtanen
A figuré step, most commonly danced singly, on the spot. In Finland, two versions. Other Nordic versions like version 1.
Version 1 - jalat liikkuvat: facing forward, hopping twice to L foot, touching R foot forward with
R heel to the floor (1:1), then R toe to the floor close to L foot (assemblé) (1:2).
Repeat required number of times. Leaping onto R foot, and touch L foot forward with heel to floor (1:1)
followed by L toe to floor close to R foot (1:2). Repeat required number of times.
Version 2 - jalat kevyessä: facing forward, hopping twice to L foot, touching R foot diagonally forward to R with
R heel to the floor (1:1), then R toe to the floor close to L foot (assemblé) (1:2).
Leaping onto R foot, and touch L foot diagonally forward to L with heel to floor (1:1)
followed by L toe to floor close to R foot (1:2). Repeat required number of times.
See YouTube video kantavarvashyppely - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, klack och tå steg - Skansens folkdanslag
A type of figuré step or cross-over step. Most commonly danced individually, but may also be danced as a couple. Several variants:
Karkelo kaartaen: walk forward 3 steps (R-L-R) to R of oncoming dancer (1:1-1:3-2:1), on 4th step back on L foot, then on 5th step R forward and
begin to curve CW with 3 walking steps to opposite place,
Vuoro karkelo 1: in quadrille set - yläpuoli M (M in couples to R & farthest from front), and alapuoli W (W in couples in front and to L from front) dance karkelo kaartaen.
Vuoro karkelo 2: yläpuoli W & alapuoli M dance karkelo kaartaen.
Karkelo kääntyen: like karkelo kaartaen, but on 5th step half turn to R (CW) and dance backwards to opposite place.
Karkelo kääntymättä var, 1: walk forward 3 steps (R-L-R) to face opposite couple, often followed by couple turn.
Karkelo kääntymättä var, 2: like karkelo kaartaen, but on 6th step L foot forward, 7th step R foot to R,
and 8th step L closed to R [in opposite place].
Puolikarkelo: like karkelo kaartaen, but on 5th step hold hands, turn 3 steps CW to opposite place.
Uhtuankarkelo (karjalainen karkelo): 2 uhtuan askel diagonally R forward, 3rd step stamp with L foot,
leap and spin CCW land on R leg, followed by 1 uhtuan askel to opposite place.
Uhtuankarkelo juosten (karjalainen karkelo): run forward (R-L-R) to R of oncoming M (1:1-3), stamp onto L foot, leaping and spinning CCW
one-half turn to land on R foot (2:1), continue spinning 1/2 turn CCW on R foot to face opposite side (2:2) and continue to opposite dancer with 2
steps (2:3-4)).
Usually danced to 2/4 rhythms. Always danced on the spot.
R kedelflikkertrin: swing R foot around crossing in front of and to L of L foot (1:1), step back on L (1:&),
close R to L (1:2), pause (1:&) and swing L foot ready for an L kedelflikkertrin.
L kedelflikkertrin: swing L foot around crossing in front of and to R of R foot (1:1), step back on R (1:&),
close L to R (1:2), pause (1:&) and swing R foot ready for an R kedelflikkertrin.
Note: the body swings somewhat to the L in an R-kedelflikkertrin, and somewhat to the R in an L-kedelflikkertrin.
Beat (2/4-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4
R-step: R L R L R L
cross back close cross back close
L-step: L R L R L R
cross back close cross back close
While a sequence of kedelflikkertrin usually begins with an R-step, Norwegian figurersteg of this type normally
begins with an L-step, and has lifts at the end of beats 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4.
Figurersteg med 3 trin differs only from kedelflikkertrin in that on beat (n:2) the free foot moves forward to close, and on beat (n:3) the free foot moves back, ie L-step: L R L R L R cross close back cross close back
A stampsteg is essentially a kedelflikkertrin with a stamp on beat 1 (n:1) of each bar.
Contrast with balancé.
See YouTube video: pas de basque steg - Skansens folkdanslag
A sideways travelling step, danced to 2/4-time music. May be danced moving CW or CCW.
Travelling CW: step to L with L foot (1:1), step R crossed behind L (1:3). Repeat.
Travelling CCW: step to R with R foot (1:1), step L crossed behind R (1:3). Repeat.
Danced with 1 step per strong beat, and one moderate lift per step, and little if any swinging of the body to R or L with the steps.
A step in place, danced to 2/4-time music.
With the weight on both feet, tap ball of each foot alternately. In some versions. with weight on one foot, tap heel of free foot.
See YouTube video laputus - Suomen Nuorisoseurat
Danced to 3/4 time music. Often a 'promenade' step before a turning step.
Usually but not always, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
Step: step forward on outside foot (1), close inside foot to outside
foot (2), hop on inside foot while swinging outside foot forward and
snapping it back towards inside shin (3) (aka Danish mazurkasving, mazurkahop or mazurkaspjæt).
Note: in the Finnish potkumasurkka step, the inside foot is closed
behind the outside foot and the outside foot is swung forward on (2)
rather than on (3).
The Norwegian description of 'totrinssteg frå varsovienne' is to be found in
Semb, Klara/ Norske folkdansar: turdansar. Oslo: Noregs Boklag/Det Norske Samlaget, 1991. p. 303.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 L-step: L R R-hop L R R-hop R-step: R L L-hop R L L-hopSee YouTube videos:
A step in place, danced singly to 2/4-time or 4/4-time music.
Step: Leap onto L foot, while swinging R foot forward with toes pointed (1:1).
Leap onto R foot while swinging L foot back (1:2), hop on R foot while swinging L foot forward (2:1).
Leap onto L foot while swinging R foot back (2:2), hop on L foot while swinging R foot forward (3:1).
Repeat as required, alternating feet.
See YouTube video melkutus - Suomen Nuorisoseurat
Danced to 3/4 or 3/8 time music. One minuet step is danced over two bars of music. The minuet, in a form close to Taubert's original Z-format, has survived
from the mid-1600s to the present day in parts of Denmark and Finland.
Originally the minuet was a couple dance, danced by one couple on the floor at a time. Now, when many couples are dancing, they are arranged in lines, M in one line facing their
partners in the opposite line.
The following is a handy summary table by Tilden Russell of Taubert's 4+ minuet steps. The most common minuet step in Scandinavia is number 3,
the 'pas de menuet à deux mouvements' with the second variation of number 2, 'pas de menuet en fleuret' also occuring.
| Step count Bar:beat |
1 1:1 |
2 1:2 |
3 1:3 |
4 2:1 |
5 2:2 |
6 2:3 |
| 1. pas de menuet un seul mouvement | 𝅗𝅥 D |
♩ M |
𝅗𝅥 M |
♩ M |
||
| 2. pas de menuet en fleuret or |
♩ D 𝅗𝅥. |
𝅗𝅥 D |
𝅗𝅥 M ♩ |
♩ |
♩ M ♩ |
|
| 3. pas de menuet à deux mouvements | 𝅗𝅥 D |
♩ M |
♩ M |
𝅗𝅥 D |
||
| 4. pas de menuet à trois mouvements | 𝅗𝅥 D |
♩ D |
♩ M |
𝅗𝅥 D |
||
|
D=demi-coupé (dip+lift), M=pas marché (walk), B=pas de bourée (chassé or change step)
Demi-coupé is danced over 2 beats, the first for a dip, the second for a rise. Source: Russell, Tilden "Theory and practice in Taubert: four readings" Israel studies in musicology online vol. 8(II), 2010. |
||||||
Bar:beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 3:1 3:2 3:3 4:1 4:2 4:3 'pas de menuet à deux mouvements': R L R L R L R L 'pas de menuet en fleuret' v.2: R L R L R L R L
Similar to menuet, but danced as either a travelling step or a couple-turning step.
Danced to 3/4 time music, one step is danced over 2 bars of music.
There are local variations, this being only one of them. The 'sweep'
is done from the L hip, in an arc outward-forward, with sole of the
shoe brushing the floor.
The travelling step: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 M/W: R sweep L L R L touch R May be danced with a 1/2 turn CW on either or both of 1:2-1:3 and 2:3. The couple turning step: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: R sweep L L R L touch R Woman: R L touch R R sweep L L Danced with a 1/2 turn CW on 1:2-1:3 and on 2:3. One full turn over two bars of music.See videos from/with Suomen Nuorisoseurat 2019, unattributed, 2018.
Similar to Östgötasteg, but danced to 2/4-time music.
Hop onto both feet, about a foot length apart, L foot a little
before of R (1:1), pause (1:2), hop onto R foot crossing in front
of L foot which is kicked up behind (1:3), pause (1:4).
Sometimes described as step-polka step.
Danced to 2/4-time music, and closely related to hamborger which likely preceded it.
Virtually identical to galopp, often only the tempo of the music distinguishes the two as danced now, ie polka slower, galopp faster.
Polka is a turning step; two polka steps make one full turn. It can be danced turning either CW or CCW, and moving either in the LOD or RLOD.
It may be danced with either smooth or hopping steps, depending on the music.
It may also be danced as vestenom, ie turning CCW with a different step.
Step turning CW: Beginning (usually) on outside (ML/WR) foot, take a step to the
side, ie in LOD (1:1), while commencing the turn. Close inside (MR/WL) foot (1:2).
Step sideways again with outside (ML/WR) foot while continuing the turn (1:3). The
polka step finishes with a lift or a hop (1:4), depending on rhythm, and tempo.
When several polka steps are danced in succession, the step begins
alternately with ML/WR and MR/WL.
Note: When dancing as a couple, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
Polka is one of the few steps that begins to the side, rather than forward.
Smooth style Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L close R L pause R close L R pause Woman: R close L R pause L close R L pause Hopping style Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L close R L hop R close L R hop Woman: R close L R hop L close R L hopDruffsteg: defined as a polka step with a longer step on beats 1 and 3, and a lift rather than a hop on beat 4.
See YouTube videos Polka, glidende og hoppende trin, 1981 [smooth versus hopping styles RETHINK Folk Music + Nordisk Dans præsenterer: Polka 2017, Lär dig dansa polka [Learn to dance polka - in Swedish]
A polkka is danced to 2/4-time music,
but closely related to Swedish mazurka. It may be danced turning CW or CCW , on the spot, or moving forward or backward,
or moving forward or backward. It may be danced singly or as a couple. It is most commonly danced turning CW and/or CCW, while moving CCW around the floor.
The dance is very fast and bouncy, 3 bounces per bar, on beats 1,2, and 3. Two full polkka steps make one full
turn; the turn is distributed over each of the steps.
Normally, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
Step:
L polkka step: Leap onto balls of both feet with L foot slighly ahead of R (1:1), close R foot to behind L (1:2),
step L foot forward (1:3), lift on L foot while lifting R from floor (1:4).
R polkka step: Leap onto balls of both feet with R foot slighly ahead of L (1:1), close L foot to behind R (1:2),
step R foot forward (1:3), lift on R foot while lifting L from floor (1:4).
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: both^ R^ L^ both^ L^ R^ Woman: both^ L^ R^ both^ R^ L^When danced turning as a couple, M normally begins with L polkka step, W with R polkka step. Polkka steps danced sequentially alternate between the two. [Heikel, Yngvar./ Folkdans: B. dansbeskrivningar sammanställda av Yngvar Heikel. Faksimilutgåva 1982. s.l.: Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland, 1938. pp. 4, 360.]
Danced to 2/4 and 4/4-time rhythms. May be danced on the spot (usually turning 1/2 turn CW or CCW with each step), or moving forward in LOD or RLOD..
Klacksteg: step forward onto L foot with heel to the floor crossed in front of R foot (1:1), step onto R foot on the spot (1:&),
close L foot to R (1:2), pause (1:&). Repeat with opposite footwork.
Polkaklacksteg: (L-foot step) swing L foot forward and L heel to floor crossed in front of R (1:1),
R foot on the spot (1:&), close L to R (1:2), hop on L swinging R forward to repeat with opposite footwork (1:&).
R-foot step is same but with opposite footwork. 2 polkaklacksteg to one bar of 2/4 or 4/4-time music. M dance with hops and stamps.
See also rijaus.
See video from/with Oriveden Kansantanssikurssilla 2014.
Similar to omdansningssteg but danced to 3/4-time polska rhythms. May be danced moving CW or CCW. May be danced with a partner, or in a larger closed circle. M and W dance same step simultaniously.
slängpolskasteg
When moving CW: step L to L side (1:1), step forward R (1:2), close L to R (1:&) and step forward R (1:3).
Repeat with same footwork. When moving CCW, opposite footwork, ie begin stepping R with R foot.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 CW: L R - L - R L R - L - R CCW: R L - R - L R L - R - LÖstgötasteg/polska steg 2/ruotsalaispolska
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 CW: L - R - L R L - R - L R CCW: R - L - R L R - L - R LSource Beskrivning av svenska folkdanser del 1 p. 35.
See videos: ruotsalaispolska - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, Östgötasteg - Skansens folkdanslag.
Danced to 2/4 or 3/4-time music. May be danced on the spot, forward, or backward.
Step: On the spot, step onto inside foot behind outside foot (1:1),
hop on inside foot moving ('chugging') slightly forward about one
foot-length (1:2) while swinging
outside foot directly behind heel of inside foot, hop onto outside foot
(2:1), hop on outside foot again (2:2), again moving slightly forward.
Note that one stays in one spot, so it is imperative to move slightly
forward on each hop. Also, the foot behind should be directly behind,
not crossed behind.
Normally, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
In 2/4-time rhythm: Beat: 1:1 1:2 2:1 2:2 Man: R hop R L hop L Woman: L hop L R hop R In 3/4-time rhythm (= Franske reeltrin): Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: step R hop R hop R step L hop L hop L Woman: step L hop L hop L step R hop R hop R
See YouTube video enkeliskahyppely - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, engelska steg - Skansens folkdanslag, engelska från Svartsmara [includes forward, backward, and on-the-spot]
A step danced to 2/4 time music. May be danced forward or backward, or turning CW or CCW, moving in LOD or RLOD.
May be danced singly or with a partner.
Danced with a step on each of the 2 strong beats, and 2 'svikt' (^) or lifts per step.
Beat: 1:1 & 1:2 & 2:1 & 2:2 & Man: L^ ^ R^ ^ L^ ^ R^ ^ Woman: R^ ^ L^ ^ R^ ^ L^ ^See: Krak, Kenneth et al/ Læsø - dans & musik. s.l.: Folkemusikhusringen, 1995. pp. 28, 40-41.
A dance, rather than a step per se, closely related to schottis.
Danced to 2/4 or 4/4 time music. May be danced forward or backward,
or turning CW or CCW, moving in LOD or RLOD.
In Danish rheinlænder polka/fynbo, the promenade portion and the couple turn consist of 4 bars each.
The promenade portion most commonly consists of a
chassé (change-step) followed by two walking steps (bar 2) danced forward
in the LOD, followed by a repeat danced in RLOD (bars 3-4).
Couple turn: The four bars of couple turn normally consist of rheinlændertrin, pivot, chassé (change-step), step-hops, or polka when turning CW and moving in LOD, or when turning CCW, with stegvals/stigvals, chassé (change-step), or polka.
See videos: rheinlænder polka, with AMHK, about 1980, Herlev gamle danse 2023 Vestjysk rheinlænder polka.
See also: Rheinlænder polka/Fynbo/Jysk-fynsk.
Danced to 2/4 time music.
Step to the side with outside foot (1:1), inside heel to floor
crossed in front of outside foot (1:3), inside foot to the side (2:1),
outside heel to floor crossed in front of inside foot (2:2)
If two or more are done in succession, they are done with opposite
footwork. If done as a couple, usually one begins by stepping onto
outside (ML/WR) foot.
See also heel step.
A dance, rather than a step per se. Danced to 2/4 time music. May be danced forward or backward, or turning CW or CCW, moving in LOD or RLOD. Normally consists of two bars of promenade or introductory step (often called schottish step) followed by two or more bars of couple turn. A very old structure, dating back at least to the 1700s, (dantz & proportion) in which the introductory steps were commonly in 2/4-time, while the couple turn was in 3/4-time. Now both parts are commonly in 2/4 time, at least in schottish..
Promenade steps: essentially a chassé (change-step) with a hop or lift on beat (4) depending on the feel of the music. There are many variations on this basic format.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L R L ^ R L R ^ Woman: R L R ^ L R L ^ (where ^ denotes a hop or lift)
Couple turn steps: The couple turn, when turning CW and moving in LOD, normally consists of rheinlændertrin, pivot, chassé (change-step), hoppavalssi, step-hops, stegvals/stigvals or polka. When turning CCW, with stegvals/stigvals, , pivot, chassé (change-step), hoppavalssi or polka.
Older versions
(vanha sottiisi, gammel reinlender, gammal schottis, etc) tend to be played at
a slower tempo and danced more smoothly, eg with pivot steps in the couple turn.
Modern versions (rheinlænder polka, jenkka, reinlender, schottis)
tend to be played at a faster tempo and 'feel' bouncy, with eg step-hops used in the couple turn.
In English, the term 'schottish' may refer to either the introductory step, or the full 4-bar dance sequence, depending on context.
See also Danish rheinlænder polka/fynbo.
See videos: Danish schottis (beginner) & variations, RETHINK Folk Music + Nordisk Dans præsenterer: Scottish 2017 [Danish], Danish reinlænder (Læsø), Rigsforsamlingen, Jenkka. Jenkka variations - Suomen Nuorisoseurat. Sottiisi, Finnish sottiisi variations - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, more Finnish sottiisi variations, and even more Finnish sottiisi variations, Hoppschottis part 1, Hoppschottis part 2, Gammel reinlender, Dobbel reinlender, Lär dig dansa schottis [Learn to dance schottisch - in Swedish] Schottis från Husby Sjutolft, schottis från Binga, ringländer från Hede.
Danced singly, side to side.
Step: Beginning with L foot, dance 2 slip steps to L (1-2), followed by a
heel-toe step with R foot.
Repeat slip steps to R side, followed by a heel-toe step with L foot.
See YouTube videos: ristilaukka - Suomen Nuorisoseurat.
Danced singly, Cossack/Ukrainian/Russian men's solo step.
Puoliripasks: (1:1) crouch down with bent knees. (1:2) rising slightly on one foot, kick free foot out forwards or to the side. Repeat with opposite footwork.
See video.
Kokoripasks: (1:1) from crouch position, kick one foot out forwards or to the side, heel to floor. (1:2) Without rising, repeat with
opposite footwork.See video.
A type of figuré or cross-over, danced by two opposite couples, either in a quadrille of longways set of couples facing couples.
W dance to opposite place with 8 running steps, passing L shoulders on the inside,
and turning CCW (around L shoulder) to face into set. Meanwhile, M dance to centre of the set, with 4
running steps, and turn 1/4 turn CW (around R shoulder) towards opposite M. Once W have passed, M dance an additional 4 running steps forward, passing
opposite M by R shoulder.
W dance 8 running steps back to place, between their partners.
Meanwhile, M dance an additional 4 running steps curving around CW to pick up partner on his R side as she passes and holding inside hands,
dance 4 running steps with partner back to place.
See video from/with Kirjavat 2010,
[unattributed.
Östnylands Brage 2014.
A step in place. An alternative to rhythmic stamp/stomp steps.
A simple pattern: leap onto R (1:1), scuff L heel (1:2), leap onto L (1:3), scuff R heel (1:4). Other multi-bar patterns often include
rhythmic stamp/stomp steps, eg in Irish and Scottish hard shoe step dancing.
May be danced to 2/4 or 3/4 time music. May be danced sideways to L or R side. Danced on balls of feet, with svikt.
To 2/4-time music: Step to side (usually) with L foot (1:1), pause
(1:2), close R to L foot (1:3), pause (1:4). Repeat as required.
To 3/4-time music: Step to side (usually) with L foot (1:1), pause (1:2), close R to L foot (1:3). Repeat as required.
Side-steps to R use opposite footwork.
See YouTube video:
sidsteg - Skansens Folkdanslag
Danced to 2/4 time music. May be danced to L side or to R side, and with or without a partner.
To 2/4-time music: Step to side (usually) with L foot (1:1), close R
to L foot, (1:2), step to L side with L foot (1:3), close R to L foot
(1:4). Repeat as required. Slip steps to R use opposite footwork.
When several steps are danced sequentially, or danced in waltz hold with partner, with a half turn CW at the end of each musical phrase,
it is a galop/gallop/galopp.
See YouTube videos: laukka - Suomen Nuorisoseurat.
There are a number of variations to what is called a skotsktrin. This version is from Fyn.
Danced to 2/4 time music, and danced over 2 bars of music. May be
danced to L side or to R side. M and W do opposite footwork. Normally M
begins stepping onto R foot, while W begins stepping onto L foot.
Skotsk to R: (1:1) step L behind R, (1:&) step R to R side, (1:2) step L behind R, (1:&) step R to R side,
(2:1) step L behind R, (2:&) step R to R side, (2:2) step L behind R, (2:&) close R to L, or, if
followed by a skotsk step to the L, swing R to behind R.
Skotsk to L: (1:1) step R behind L, (1:&) step L to L side, (1:3) step R behind L, ((1:&) step L to L side,
(2:1) step R behind L, (2:&) step L to L side, (2:2) step R behind L, (2:&) close L to R, or, if
followed by a skotsk step to the R, swing L to behind R.
See: Foreningen til Folkedansens Fremme (FFF)/ Gamle danse fra forskellige egne. 3 opl.
København: Foreningen til Folkdansens Fremme, 1998, p. 12.
A couple dance rather than a step per se. Danced usually to moderate 2/4 time music.
Couples in open shoulder-waist hold.
Promenade portion is simple walking, beginning with outside (ML/WR) foot, moving in LOD.
Couple turn in polska or closed waist-shoulder hold. Steps are pivot steps.
See YouTube videos
byttesnoa with Folkedanslaget Springar'n 2017;
Lär dig dansa snoa 2020.
Normally danced to 2/4, 4/4, 3/4 or 6/8 time music. Alternate forward and back steps. 2 step sequences for one full couple rotation.
Back-step: step L foot to L (1:1), while turning 1/4 turn CW, cross R foot behind L (1:2) while continuing CW turn.
Forward-step: close L foot to R (1:1) while turning 1/4 turn CW, cross
R foot in front of L (1:2) while continuing CW turn. Body weight is mainly on R foot.
When turning as a couple, the hold is a 2-hand hold, crossed or not
as dancers prefer, polska hold, or closed waist-shoulder hold. LOD is CCW around the
floor and couple turns CW or CCW. M begins with a back-step, W with a
forward-step. Both alternate back-step and forward-step.
When turning CCW, opposite footwork.
To 3/4 or 3/8 time turning CW: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L R back L R fwd Woman: L R fwd L R back To 2/4 or 4/4 time turning CW: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L R back L R fwd L R back L R fwd Woman: L R fwd L R back L R fwd L R back To 3/4 or 3/8 time turning CCW: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: R L back R L fwd Woman: R L fwd R L back To 2/4 or 4/4 time turning CCW: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: R L back R L fwd R L back R L fwd Woman: R L fwd R L back R L fwd R L back
Reference: Grüner Nielsen, H./ Folkelig vals. København: Det Schønbergske Forlag, 1920. p.81.
See videos of
Henrik fra Stevns - schottis with springfort steps,
Kaksiaskelvalssi - Suomen Nuorisoseurat [Finnish],
öppen vals från Ekshärad.
See also: Springfort.
A step in place.
Step heavily with free foot, whole foot to the floor, with (usually) audible noise. May or may not include
transfer of weight to stamping foot. As taught in tap-dancing:
Stamp: weight remains on original weight-bearing foot
Stomp: weight transfer to active (stamping) foot.
A series of stamps may be danced with the same foot (ie stamps), or with alternating with R and L foot (stomps):
Beat (2/4-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4
R-step: R R L L
stamp close stamp close
L-step: L L R R
stamp close stamp close
Alternatively, multiple rhythmnic stamps/stomps: see video from/with Karjalainen Nuorisoliitto - Päristelyä 2020
leap onto L foot (1:1), stamp R foot (1:2), leap onto R foot (1:3), stamp L foot (1:4), leap onto L foot (2:1), stamp R foot twice (2:3,2:4)].
See also scuff steps.
A non-travelling step onto L or R foot, with 2 lifts. Where the lifts occur depends on the tempo of the music.
Generally functions to signal the end of a sequence of other steps.
A non-travelling step, danced singly. Most commonly danced to 2/4-time music.
Step:
Crossed scissor step: leap and land with weight evenly distributed (1:1), R foot crossed in front of L foot
(=R crossed scissor step). Repeat (1:2), landing with L foot crossed in front of R foot (=L crossed scissor step).
Repeat as required.
Crossed scissor step with chug: With feet together, jump up and land on both feet with L crossed in front and R crossed behind (1:1).
Jump up and land on both feet with R crossed in front and L crossed behind (1:2).
With feet together, chug backwards 3 times (2). Repeat as required.
Slow forward/back scissor step - jalat liikkuvat: With feet together, jump up and land on both feet with L forward and R back (1:1).
Svikt (dip) (1:2). With feet together, jump up and land on both feet with R forward and L back (2:1). Svikt (dip) (1:2).
Repeat as required, one step per bar.
Rapid forward/back scissor step: leap and land with L foot forward and R foot back, weight evenly distributed (1:1), (=L scissor step).
Repeat (1:2), landing with R foot forward and L foot back (=R scissor step). Repeat as required, two steps per bar.
Source: Blekingsteg
See also haaraperushyppy.
See videos: tanila - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, Blekingsteg - Skansens folkdanslag
A non-travelling step. Most commonly danced to 2/4-time music.
Step: With feet together, jump up and down as many times as required.
Astride & together: With a leap, land on both feet apart (sideways), weight evenly distributed (1:1), and with a
second leap, land with both feet together (1:2). Repeat as required.
utslagssteg: With a leap, land on both feet apart (sideways), weight evenly distributed (1:1), knees bent
and apart, arms bent, hands in fists with thumbs pointing outward.
With a second leap, land with both feet together (1:2). Repeat as required. May be danced with or without a turn.
See YouTube videos: tasahyppy - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, utslagssteg - Skansens Folkdanslag.
Beginning with weight on L foot: leap onto R foot while pointing L foot forward with straight knee and toes pointed down (1-2), step to L onto L foot (3), close R foot to L (4).
An old step with roots going back to the 1000s in Skandinavia, and popular all over Europe, currently especially on the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Bretagne.
May be danced to 4/4, 2/4 or 6/8 time music. There are a number of
variations of the vikivaka step, but branle simple is the most common. All dancers dance same step.
Dancers normally in one closed line, facing slightly L, L arm tucked
under R arm of person on the L, own R arm over L arm of person on the
R ('guitar' hold). LOD is to the L.
branle simple: step L to L side (1:1), close R or cross R foot in front of L (1:2), step L to L side, (1:3), close R or swing R across in front with lift on L (1:4), step R to R (2:1), closing L or swinging L across in front with a lift on R (2:3). Can also be danced moving to the right, with opposite footwork. Rhythm is quick-quick-slow-slow (QQS-S-).
branle double: step L to L side (1:1), close R, or cross L foot (1:2), step L to L side (1:3),
closing R or swinging R across in front with lift on L (1:4), step R to R side (2:1), close L, or cross L foot (2:2), step R to R side (2:3),
closing R or swinging R across in front with lift on L (2:4), Rhythm is quick-quick-slow-slow (QQS-).
Note: Arbeau, Thoinot Orchésographie 1589 lists a number of branles.
Branle simple
Beat (4/4-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 3:1 3:2 3:3 3:4
L R L L-lift R R-lift L R L L-lift R R-lift etc.
Beat (6/8-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 1:5 1:6 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 2:5 2:6
L R L L-lift R R-lift L R L L-lift R R-lift etc.
Branle double
Beat (4/4-time): 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 3:1 3:2 3:3 3:4
L R L close R L R close L R L close
See videos
{Bulgaria},
{Croatia},
[Denmark],
{Dansa innaní - Faroe Islands},
{France, Brittany},
{France, Brittany - branle simple},
{France, Brittany - branle double (gavotte)},
{Greece},
{Iceland},
{Norway},
{Serbia}
Danced to 2/4, 3/4, 3/8, 6/8 or 4/4 time music. May be danced turning CW or CCW, in LOD or RLOD.
M's step urning CW: step forward in LOD onto R foot (1:1) with heel
first and roll up onto ball of foot while turning ca 180 degrees CW, step
backward in LOD onto ball of L foot (1:3) turning ca 180 degrees CW on ball of L foot. W uses opposite footwork, ie L foot back, R foot forward.
May be danced individually or more commonly with a partner, in which case the feet should be about
one foot apart so that partner can step forward between the feet.
If two or more are done in succession, they are done with opposite
footwork. If done as a couple, usually M begins back on L foot and W forward on R foot.
May also be done turning CCW, in which case footwork is opposite, ie L foot forward, R foot back..
To 2/4 or 4/4 time music: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4&t=1 Man: R L R L Woman: L R L R To 3/4 time music: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: R L R L Woman: L R L RThe difference between eintaktssnu frå feiar and eintaktssnu frå pariserpolka is that the latter has 2 equal lifts on 1:2 and 1:4, and the former has a lesser lift on 1:4. Both are done to 2/4-time music. Totaktssnu is normally done to 3/4 time music (waltz) with lifts on 1:1 and 1:3.
See YouTube videos byttesnoa with Folkedanslaget Springar'n 2017; Lär dig dansa snoa 2020; Polkan går 1965.
Normally done to 2/4 time music.
Step: Note that there are a number of regional variations.
(1) Starting with outside (ML/WR) foot, step firmly a small step to the
side (1:1), touch free foot (1:2), step to MR/WL (2:1), touch free foot
(2:2).
Normally, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 2:1 2:2 Man: L touch R R touch L Woman: R touch L L touch R
A mazurka is a couple turning dance, danced in 3/4 time, consisting of a 'promenade' or introductory portion (optional),
and a couple turn portion.
The promenade portion, which moves in the LOD, may consist of Danish mazurka or Swedish Fryksdals steps,
heel-toe steps, a series of slip steps, or walking steps, etc.
The couple turn may consist of trippevals, polonaise, pivot,
or stegvals. 2 bars/steps==1 full turn
Trippevalstrin (trippevals steps) are closely related to Finnish polkka, which is danced to 2/4 or 4/4 time.
In Norway, a form of totaktsnu.
In Sweden, polkett is often danced to mazurka music.
The dance is very bouncy (in Skåne also called 'rumpedarra' or 'butt
shaker') with a bounce on each beat, ie 3 'bounces' per bar. Like a waltz, two full mazurka/trippevals
steps make one full turn either CW or CCW. Unlike a waltz step, in which
the turn is on beats (2) and (3), in a mazurka, the turn is mainly on
beats (1) and (2).
Normally, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork. When turning, the first step (beat 1) is mainly sideways, ie
parallel to the LOD. When moving forward or backward, it is in LOD or RLOD.
Step:
[1st mazurka step] Leap onto both feet (1) (or alternatively, landing on inside foot a split second before the outside foot), leap onto inside
foot (2), leap onto outside foot (3).
[2nd mazurka step] Leap onto both feet (1) (or alternatively, landing on outside foot a split second before the inside foot), leap onto outside
foot (2), leap onto inside foot (3).
Alternate between L and R mazurka steps.
Mazurka: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man (L mazurka step): both R L both L R Woman (R mazurka step): both L R both R L Trippevals/juoksuvalssi: Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L R L R L R Woman: R L R L R LSee YouTube videos Danish mazurka (beginner) & variations (playlists), Finnish masurka variations - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, Purpurimasurkka & polkkamasurkka - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, Norwegian masurka, mazurka steg (forwards) - Skansens folkdanslag.
Danced to 2/4 or 3/4 time music. Step on one foot (1:1), usually
'outside' (ML/WR) foot, swing the other foot slightly across and in
front of the weight-bearing foot close to floor, with straight knee and ankle and 'svikt'/lift/hop on weight-bearing foot (1:2).
If two or more are done in succession, they are done with opposite footwork.
Normally, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
When done to 3/4-rhythm, count step on outside foot (1:1) and swinging inside foot forward
and 'svikt' (lift)/hop on outside foot (1:2), dip on outside foot (1:3).
Measure+beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 L-step: L swing-R R swing-L R-step: R swing-L L swing-RFigurésteg (herrens) from 'Engelska för tre par': leap onto 'outside' (ML) foot, swing the R foot slightly across and in front of L close to floor, with straight knee, ankle bent so sole of shoe is visible from side (1:1), pause in this position (1:2). Repeat with opposite footwork.
'Tyrolertrin' is mainly used in conjunction with waltz or hopsa. The
term refers a couple dancing forwards (in LOD or RLOD) with, usually, hopsa or waltz steps,
holding inside hands, and is usually followed by couple turning with the same step.
On the first step (starting with ML/WR, ie 'outside foot') the joined inside hands move slightly forward as the M and W turn somewhat
away from each other. On the second step (starting with 'inside' foot), M and W turn somewhat towards each other, and the inside hands move
slightly backwards.
Tyrolervals is a couple dance consisting normally of promenade steps, usually 4 step-swings or
small quick travelling waltz steps moving forwards in the LOD (ie 4 bars of 3/4-time music),
followed by usually 4 turning waltz steps (a second 4 bars of music).
See videos from/with KØST2017 and
KØST2017 as well as
AMHK ca 1980 (at 13:15)
Herlev Gamle Danse 2023
Tyrolerhopsa is a couple dance consisting normally of 4 small quick travelling hopsa steps
moving forward in the LOD (ie 4 bars of 2/4-time music),
followed by 4 turning hopsa steps (a second 4 bars of music).
See YouTube videos with AMHK ca 1980 (at 12:13 &
27:20)
Bugge, Kristian, Peter Eget & Christopher Davis Maack 2009,
Bugge, Kristian, Peter Eget & Christopher Davis Maack 2011
Danced to 2/4-time rhythms. A travelling step.
1 bar=2 running steps, usually beginning with outside foot, with
longer and 'heavier' step on beat (1:1), and shorter and lighter on beat (1:3).
When moving forward or CW, longer step is on the L, shorter on the R
foot. When moving backward or CCW, longer step is on R, shorter on L
foot. Ditto when moving sideways to L or R.
See YouTube video: uhtuan askel - Suomen Nuorisoseurat,
Danced to 2/4 (see 'vals', below), 3/4 or 3/8-time music. Can be danced forwards, backwards, turning CW or CCW. In most variants, 1 bar=1/2 turn, ie 2 full steps=1 full turn.
Couples begin with outside (ML/WR) foot, either (a) M stepping backward in LOD having first swung in front of partner, W stepping forward, or
(b) M stepping backward in RLOD, W stepping forward, to then begin CW turn on second step, moving in LOD. R foot between partner's feet.
Measure+beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 2:1 2:2 2:3 Man: L R L R L R Woman: R L R L R LMost commonly, dancers dip on 1:1. and lift on 1:2, and dip on 1:3. In some versions, dancers lift on 1:1.
Several versions were danced:
gammalvals (S) (3/4 time): L-step: step L with a pronounced dip (1:1), a small stabilizing step to side with R foot, also
with a dip, while lifting L foot (1:2), small step to close with L foot (1:3). R-step: same as L-step with opposite footwork. M and W dance same
steps, with opposite footwork. Note that the main dip in on beat 1 of each bar.
gående valsetrin ('walking waltz'): step forward with non-weight-bearing foot (1:1), touch other foot (1:2), pause (1:3). When
dancing several steps in a row, alternate step on (1:1) between L and R foot. Step may be danced forward or backward.
hoppavals (3/4 time): turning waltz in humppa (2/4-time) or polska (3/4-time) rhythm and with polska step
menuetvals/slätvals (3/4 time): promenade plus turning waltz in menuet rhythm
and with menuet step
stegvals/springfort see springfort/stegvals
'travelling waltz' (3/4,3/8 time): moves forward or backwards, not turning
trippevals (3/4,3/8 time): a turning waltz to mazurka rhythm.
Perusvalssi: Basic step is: step while turning, step, close.
Tvåstegsvalssteg (two-step waltz): (3/4 time): M steps L (1:1), hop (1:2),
L (1:3) R (2:1) hop (2:2) R (2:3) etc; W dances with opposite footwork.
[Heikel, Yngvar./ Folkdans: B. dansbeskrivningar sammanställda av Yngvar Heikel.
Faksimilutgåva 1982. s.l.: Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland, 1938. p. 4.]
Tyrolervals (3/4,3/8 time): promenade plus turning waltz,
Trestegsvals, Vanha valssi: Beginning with MR/WL foot, couples dance 3 small running/walking steps turning CW. M begins forward R, W begins back L.
Hold somewhat to side, R foot may step outside partner's L foot. 2 bars=1 full turn.
Varsoviennesteg (3/4 time): danced in place or turning singly.
Wienervals (3/4,3/8 time): Basic step is: step forward, step to side (lift), close (dip). a faster turning waltz, thought to have derived from Ländler, became very popular in the second half of the 1800s.
See Wienervals [in Swedish].
'vals' (2/4 time): According to the Åkerhjelm source (p. v), before the 'waltz' as we know it became popular, the term
'vals' was used to describe turning with a partner, either (a) walking steps on the spot or (b) moving to a different location
(= promenadvals).
The source suggests, in the latter case, a 2-hand hold with partner, side by side and facing opposite directions, walking steps
with a 'stegvals'-like motion, in which when M moves forward, W dances on the spot, and vice versa.
See: Åkerhjelm, Fredrik/ Baron Fredrik Åkerhjelms dansbok 1785. Facsimile ed. Stockholm: Arkivet för folklig dans, 1986.
See videos of RETHINK Folk Music + Nordisk Dans præsenterer: Vals 2017 [Danish], Kaksiaskelvalssi - Suomen Nuorisoseurat [Finnish], Norwegian runddans [Norweigan], Wienervals [Swedish].
Danced to 3/4-time music, over 2 bars. May be danced in place or turning singly.
A variant of waltz step. M and W dance with opposite footwork.
Danced in place: step L onto ball of foot (with lift) (1), step R onto ball of foot (with lift) (2), step L
onto whole foot(3).
Danced turning CCW: step L turning 1/4 turn CCW (1:1), step R onto ball of foot turning 3/4 turn CCW (1:2),
close L to R foot, onto whole foot (1:3), touch R heel to floor (2). CW turn with opposite footwork.
See: Semb, Klara/ Norske folkdansar II: rettleiing om dansen. Oslo: Noregs Boklag, 1971. p.46.
Varvashyppely/figurersteg med eitt trin: Danced in place. Feet are alternately brought forward about one foot
length with the free foot, parallel to the floor. L or R kick-step
depending on which foot is on the floor, ie R kick-step means R foot is
on the floor L foot is forward off the floor.
Sparksteg: danced to 2/4 time music. Leap onto L foot, swinging R leg forward (1:1) with toes of R leg pointed down but not
touching floor, leap onto R foot, swinging L leg forward (1:2), repeat as instructed.
Sparksteg frå nio man engel: danced to 2/4 time music. Leap onto L foot, while swinging R leg, [from the hip], back (1:1).
Hop on L foot while swinging R leg womewhat more forward from the hip (1:2). Meanwhile, upper body leans forward and back. Repeat with
opposite footwork. Each 'sparksteg' backward and forward is danced over 1 bar of 2/4 time music.
See YouTube videos: varvashyppely - singly, Suomen Nuorisoseurat, sparksteg - Skansens folkdanslag, sparksteg frå nio man engel.
Tå-hæ : Hop on weight-bearing foot twice, touching toes of free foot beside weight-bearing foot (1:1),
then touch heel of free foot forward (1:3).
Varvaskantahyppely: Turn body to L, hop onto L foot with R toe to the floor (1:1) to the R
side, then R heel to the floor in the same place (1:2). Repeat, turning to
R, and touching L toe to floor (1) followed by L heel to floor (2). Ie. toe-heel step.
See YouTube videos: isovarvas - Suomen Nuorisoseurat, varvaskanta - Suomen Nuorisoseurat.
Danced to 2/4-time music.
Vestenom or forkert polka is a turning step. It can be danced turning either, most commonly, CCW or CW,
and moving in RLOD. Two vestenom steps make one full turn.
When dancing as a couple, M and W do same step at same time but with opposite footwork.
M begins forward in RLOD or LOD, W backwards.
Beat: 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 2:1 2:2 2:3 2:4 Man: L(fwd) R L R(back) L R Woman: R(back) L R L(fwd) R L or Man: L(fwd) R L R(back) L R Woman: R(back) L R L(fwd) R LSource: Sørensen, Pia & Per VI: 27 gamle folkedanse fra Jylland. s.l.:s.n., 2000. pp.13-14.
See YouTube video with Wolf, Damgård, Bugge & Krak 2012, Frøberg, Læsøgruppen Vestenom 2019, Læsøgruppen Vestenom 2014.
A step in place. Danced to 2/4 time music.
With a weight on R foot, point L foot, with straight ankle and pointed toes, crossed in front of R
foot (1:1), to L side (1:2), close to R foot (1:3), pause with lift (1:4). May also be danced with opposite footwork.
When danced as a couple, weight is on inside (ML/WR) foot, so that free foot points toward partner.
See YouTube video: Gellmalaget
Pas de rigaudon may be danced to 2/4, 4/4 or 6/8 time music,
and was a common step, especially in the contredanse française, and
usually at the conclusion of a sequence of other steps. It was usually
danced singly.
Leap onto L foot while swinging R foot to the R side (1:1); leap onto R
foot while swinging L foot to the L side (1:2); close L to R foot (2:1); leap
with both feet together (assemblé) (2:2).
Baron Fredrik Åkerhielms dansbok 1785 identifies 3 types of 'pas de rigaudon':
Type 1: (counted over 4 bars) Leap onto L foot while swinging R foot to the R side (1:1-2); leap onto R
foot while swinging L foot to the L side (2:1-2); close L to R foot and leap
with both feet together (assemblé) (3:1-2); step twice in place (4:1-2).
Type 2: (counted over 2 bars) Leap onto R foot while swinging L foot to the L side (1:1); leap onto L
foot while swinging R foot to the R side (1:2); leap onto R foot while swinging L foot forward (2:1);
leap onto L foot while swinging R foot forward (2:2).
Type 3: (counted over 2 bars) hop on L foot while swinging R foot backward (1:1) and forward (1:2); hop on R
foot while swinging L foot backward (2:1) and forward (2:2).
See also Rameau, Pierre Le maître à danser 1748. pp. 159-160.
Vippetrin are normally danced to 2/4-time music. Danced on the spot, usually with a partner.
L vippetrin: leap onto L foot, while swinging R foot out sideways to R.
R vippetrin: leap onto R foot, while swinging L foot out sideways to L.
When dancing a number of vippetrin in succession,
alternate between L and R vippetrin. When dancing in eg. waltz hold with a
partner, M and W use opposite footwork, M beginning with L vippetrin, W beginning with R vippetrin.
See video from Herlev Gamle Danse 2023 - vippen
Danced to 2/4-time rhythms. Midway between a walk and step-hop, ie a 'springy' walk with a lot of 'svikt'.
Html by L. Ruus, rev. 2023-11-14.