croatian dances

1

Sacramento, CA March 18 – 19, 2016

Croatian Dances Presented by: Željko Jergan

Dance Region

1. Staračko kolo Slavonia

2. Mahičanski drmeš Pokuplje

3. Slavonska kola Slavonia

4. Svatovski drmeš Pokuplje

5. Grad se beli Međimurje

CD

2

STARAČKO KOLO Slavonia, Croatia

Slavonija is the largest and most fertile part of Croatia’s land. It borders Hungary and the Drava River on the north, the Sava River on the south, the Moslavina Region on the west and the Srijem Region on the east. For this reason, Slavonian folk traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. The wealth of this region is reflected in the dances, songs and costumes. Most of the dances in Slavonija surround the musicians, who are in the center of the circle. Musical accompaniment features the tambura (samica), and a full tambura orchestra. Slavonian people dance to celebrate any

occasion - weddings, harvest, church celebrations, or any other daily occurrence that merits a celebration. “Staračko kolo” is from Brodsko Posavlje part of Slavonia Region.

TRANSLATION: Ancient dance PRONUNCIATION: STA-RACH-KO koh-loh

MUSIC: CD “Ajde cure u kolo/ Come on girls, let’s dance!” Band #10

FORMATION: Closed circle, alternating M & W in front basket hold

STYLING: The drmeš (shaking dance) is done flat-footed, with very small steps and movements. Smaller movements are most stylistically correct.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- METER: 4/4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meas

INSTRUMENTAL PART

1-2 Facing ctr., Sway to L (cts.1,2); Sway to R(cts.3,4); Repeat Meas.1

3 Step on L in place (ct.1); Slight hop on L, keep R next to L cuff (ct.2); Repeat cts.1,2

with opp. Ft (cts.3,4)

4 Repeat Meas.3

5 Step on L to L(ct.1); Step on R across L(ct.2); Step on L to L(ct.3); Slight hop on L(ct.4)

6 Step on R to R (ct.1); Step on L next to R (ct.&); Repeat cts.1& (cts.2&); Step on R to

R(ct.3) Slight hop on R(ct.4)

7 Step on L to L (ct.1); Bring R ft next to L and bounce twice (cts.2&); Step on R in

place (ct.3);

Step on L to L, leave R ft to R and bounce twice, wt. on both ft (cts.4&)

8 Step on L in place (ct.1); Bring R ft next to L and bounce twice (cts.2&); Step on R in place (ct.3); Slight hop on R (ct.4)

3

Staračko kolo, Pg. 2

SINGING PART

1 Hold(cts.1,2,3,4)

2 Sway to L,R,L,R(cts.1,2,3,4)

3 Facing diag. CW, Step on L,R,L,R fwd(cts.1,2,3,4)

4 Facing ctr., Repeat Meas.2

5-6 Facing diag. CW, Step on L fwd (ct.1); Step on R in front of L (ct.2); Step on L to L

(ct.3);

Step on R behind of L (ct.4); Repeat Meas. 5 (cts.5,6,7,8)

SEQUENCE:

Instrumental Part Meas.1-hold

Meas.2-8: Repeat Meas.2-8 of Instrumental part

Meas.9-24: Repeat Meas.5-8, four more times

Singing Part

Instrumental Part Meas.1-8: Repeat Meas.1-8 of Instrumental part

Meas.9-16: Repeat Meas.5-8, two more times

Singing Part

Instrumental Part Meas.1-8: Repeat Meas.1-8 of Instrumental part

Meas.9-16: Repeat Meas.5-8, two more times

Presented by Željko Jergan

Dance notes by Fusae Carroll & Željko Jergan 12.2015

4

STARAČKO KOLO Brodsko posavlje, Slavonia

Men solo Ej, iz daleka ćini mi se seka,

All Men Kad' iz bliza ono baba Liza,

M&W Kad' iz bliza ono baba Liz'!

Ij (iju, iju, iju) ju............!

Women solo Ej, poklade su da se veselimo,

All women a korizma da se žalostimo,

M&W a korizma da se žalostim'! Ij (iju, iju, iju) ju!

5

MAHIČANSKI DRMEŠ

Pokuplje, Croatia

The village of Mahično is situated 5 miles north of Karlovac (Upper Pokuplje region). That region has maintained their rich and ancient folklore traditions until today. Popular shaking dance, (“drmeš“) is done in closed reels of fours or in circle dance (“kolo”). Instrumental accompaniment is most often done with two violins, “bugarija” and bass. Sometimes you will hear and an accordion. “Rozganje” (what we can hear in this village recording) is a solo or dialogic musical genre from the area of Karlovačko Pokuplje. Loud singing of short dialogical

songs (rozgalice, samice) enabled them to establish much desired communication at greater distances. Besides work, rozgalice also had a role in the customs related to the cycle of life and year. Rozgalica begins with a resounding melismatic "oj", which is followed by a ten-syllable verse performed in a syllabic manner.

TRANSLATION: Shaking dance from the village of Mahično PRONUNCIATION: MA-HE-CHAN-SKEE DER-MESH


FORMATION: Closed circle (often done in fours), alternating M & W in back basket hold (or women’s arms over men’s) - Second part individual in circle


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- METER: 4/4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meas

INTRO 1-2 Wait

PART A (back basket hold)

1 Facing ctr., Deep Step on R in place (ct.1); Step on L next to R (ct.2); Repeat

cts.1,2 (cts.3,4)

2 Repeat Meas.1

3 Step on R fwd (ct.1); Bounce on R (ct.2); Step on L to L (ct.3); Bounce on L (ct.4)

4 Repeat Meas.3

5 Step on R from the heel to L (ct.1); Step L (ball of the ft) to L (ct.2); Repeat

cts.1,2 (cts.3,4)

6-7 Repeat Meas.5, two more times

6

Mahičanski drmeš, Pg. 2

8 Repeat Meas.5, cts.1,2 (cts.1,2); Step on R to L(ct.3); Hop on R(ct.4)

9-16 Repeat Meas.1-8 with opp. ft and direction

*** If done in fours (4 dancers), they start as individuals. On meas 1 & 2, dancers move forward to a circle and on meas 3 they join into a back baskethold. PART B (individual)

1 Arms on the waist, Step on R(ct.1); Step on L in front of R(ct.&); Step back on

R(ct.2); Repeat cts.1&2 with opp. ft(cts.3&4)- steps are on ball of ft. move slightly

bkwd

2 Repeat Part B, Meas.1

3-4 Repeat Part B, Meas.1-2 but make one turn to CW with 4 pas de basque (each

time 1/4)

5 Step on R to R (ct.1); Step on L next to R (ct.&); Step on R in place(ct.2); Repeat

cts.1&2 with opp. ft and direction(ct.3&4)- steps are on flat ft.


7 Repeat Part B, Meas.5, cts.1&2 (cts.1&2); Stamp step on L next to R (ct.3); Hold

(ct.4)


SEQUENCE: A-B 3 times + A (only Meas.1-8 but ct.4 should be stamp on L next to R)



7

SLAVONSKA KOLA Slavonia, Croatia

Slavonija is the richest agricultural region (known as the bread basket) in

Croatia. For this reason, folk traditions have remained unchanged for

centuries. The wealth of this region is reflected in the dances, songs and

costumes. Most of the dances in Slavonija surround the musicians, who are in

the center of the circle. Musical accompaniment featured the wooden flute

(dvojnice), bagpipe (gajde) and tambura (samica), or a full tambura orchestra.

Here are presented three dances; Drmeš, Ćiro and Tandora.

TRANSLATION: Dances of Slavonia

PRONUNCIATION; slah-VOH-n-skah KOH-lah


FORMATION: Closed circle - alternating M & W in front basket hold (R over L).


The šaranje (step-hop in and out, travel sequence) is done with a down accent.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ METER: 4/4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meas

Intro – 4 chords; facing ctr., Wait

DRMEŠ

1 Step on L to L(ct.1); Step on R in front of L(ct.2); Step on L to L(ct.3); Step on R next to L (ct.&); Repeat cts.3& (cts.4&) 2 Sway to L (cts.1,2); Sway to R(cts.3,4) 3 Step on L fwd (ct.1); Close R next to L and bounce twice (cts.2&); Step on R fwd and face CW-R shoulder twd ctr., (ct.3); Close L to R and bounce twice (cts.4&) 4 Step on L bkwd and face ctr (ct.1); Close R to L and bounce twice (ct.2&); Step on R bkwd (ct.3); Close L to R and bounce twice (cts.4&) 5 Step on L to L (ct.1); Close R to L and bounce twice (cts.2&); Step on R to R (ct.3); small hop on the R as the L is lifted in front of the R (cts.4&) 6-10 Repeat Meas.1-5 11 Step on L fwd (ct.1); slightly lift on L (ct.2); Step on R across L (ct.3); slightly lift on R (ct.4) 12 Repeat Meas.11 but bkwd 13 Facing slightly CW, Step on L fwd (ct.1); slightly lift on L (ct.2); Step on R fwd (ct.3); slightly lift on R (ct.4);

8

Slavonska Kola- Pg.2

14 Step on L to L, face ctr. (ct.1); slightly lift on L (ct.2); Step on R behind of L and face CCW (ct.3); slightly lift on R (ct.4) 15 Repeat Meas.13 – Meas.11-15 call Šaranje 16-20 Repeat Meas.11-15 -Šaranje 21-30 Repeat Meas.1-10

ĆIRO 1 Facing ctr., Step on L diag. L fwd (ct.1); Step on R diag. R fwd (ct.2); Step on L bkwd (ct.3) Step on R diag R bkwd (ct.4) 2 Step on L to L (ct.1); Close R to L and bounce twice (cts.2&); Step on R to R (ct.3); Close L to R and bounce twice (cts.4&) 3-4 Repeat Meas.1-2 5 Step on L diag. L fwd (ct.1); Close R to L and bounce twice (cts.2&); Step on L diag bkwd (ct.3); Close R to L and bounce twice (cts.4&) 6 Repeat Meas.5 with opp. ft and direction 7-8 Repeat Meas.5-6 9-24 Repeat Meas.1-8, two more times

TANDORA

1 Step on L to L(ct.1); Step on R next to L(ct.2); Step on L to L(ct.3); Close R to L and bounce two times(cts.4&) 2 Repeat Meas.1 with opp. ft and direction 3-4 Repeat Meas.1-2 5 Leap on L to L(ct.1); Leap on R to R(ct.2); Slight hop on R, L heel touch in front(ct.3); Step on L in place(ct.&); Step back on R(ct.4) 6-8 Repeat Meas.5, three more times 9-16 Repeat Meas.1-8 17-22 Repeat Meas.1-6 23 Step on L, R fwd (cts.1,2); Step on L,R,L in place(cts.3&4) 24 Step on R,L bkwd(cts.1,2); Step on R bkwd(ct.3); Stamp Step on L next to R(ct.4)



9

SVATOVSKI DRMEŠ POKUPLJE, CROATIA

This dance is from the village of Kupinec, which is situated between Zagreb and Karlovac, near Jastrebarsko in the Pokuplje region. The Jastrebarsko dance zone is divided between the Jastrebarsko polje (lowlands) and Prigorje (by the hills). Village of Kupinec is in Jastrebarsko polje. Drmeš (shaking dance) is the most popular dance in this region and is done mostly during holidays and weddings. The instrumental accompaniment is most often done with two violins, “bugarija” and bass. Željko first researched this region in 1976 and continues to the present days.

TRANSLATION: Wedding Shaking Dance

PRONUNCIATION: svah-TOHV-skee DRR-mesh


FORMATION: Closed reel (circle) of mixed dancers. An alternative formation is a

circle inside a circle and at weddings the bride and groom may be in the

center. Hands are joined in a “back hold”, with M’s arms lower and W’s

higher, or “back basket hold” L over R.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- METER: 2/4 PATTERN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meas.

INTRODUCTION: 2 measures (4 beats). No action.

A FIG. I:

1 Facing ctr and moving L (CW) – step R in front of L, L remains bkwd and slightly off

floor (ct 1); flex R knee (ct 2).

2 Step L diag L bkwd, R remains fwd and slightly off the floor (ct1); flex L knee (ct 2).

Note; Style – R always remains fwd and L behind.

10

Svatovski Drmeš, page 2

2 Step L diag L bkwd, R remains fwd and slightly off the floor (ct1); flex L knee (ct 2).

Note; Style – R always remains fwd and L behind.

3-14 Repeat meas 1-2. (7 times in all). Vertical movement increases with each step.

15-16 Stamp R,L,R in place (cts 1-2-1); step on L (on the up-beat of ct 2) (ct 2).

B CHORUS; BUZZ – L & R

1 Facing ctr and moving L (CW) – step R across L (full ft) (ct 1); step L fwd on ball of

ft (ct 2). Style; ftwk is very smooth.

2-7 Repeat meas 1

8 Step R across L (ct 1); hop on R as L circles fwd (ct 2).

9-16 Repeat meas 1-8 with opp ftwk, moving to R (CCW). Hold and face ctr on last ct.

NOTE: ftwk is very smooth.

C FIG II: DRMEŠ SDWD L & R

1 Facing ctr and moving very slightly sdwd L (CW) – Drmeš on R foot; step R beside L moves quickly fwd close to floor (ct 1); bounce on R moving very slightly sdwd L (ct 2); small step on L heel to L (toe is only very slightly off floor) (ct &); Style; Up feeling on ct 2. 2-8 Repeat meas 1 (8 times in all), except on last ct – bounce on both ft in place. 9-16 Repeat meas 1-8 with opp ftwk, moving to R (CCW). NOTE: ftwk is very small and bouncy.

B REPEAT CHORUS; BUZZ – L & R

*** MUSICAL INTERLUDE (BRIDGE)

C FIG III: DOUBLE DRMEŠ IN PLACE

1 Step R in place as L quickly move fwd close to floor (ct 1); close L beside R and bounce 2 times (cts 2-&). 2-8 Repeat meas 1, alternating ftwk (7 times in all), except on ct “&” – bounce on L in place.

FIG IV: STEP, HOP, STEP TO L

1 Facing L of ctr and moving to L (CW) – step R across L (ct 1); hop on R as L lifts beside R leg (approx. ankle ht) (ct &); step L fwd on ball of ft (ct 2) 2-8 Repeat meas 1. (8 times in all)

*** Repeat dance from Beg. The dance is done a total of 3 times. On the last time trough Fig. IV, do 7 step-hop-steps. On meas 8 – face ctr and stamp R, L in place (cts 1-2).


11

GRAD SE BELI Međimurje, Croatia

Medjimurje is located between the Drava and Mura rivers and the Hungarian border. There are relatively few facts concerning the dances from that area dating from the 19th century, whether by Croatian or Hungarian ethnomusicologists. During the Austro-Hungarian occupation of this area, people were prohibited from maintaining their customs and dances. For this reason, solo singing became the only outlet for preserving the culture. Following WW I, those songs were used as a foundation for the creation of many new national dances, rooted in the peasant dances of other bordering cultures, like csárdás. Dances are often accompanied by singing and orchestra comprised of cymbal, violin, clarinet and bass, and

sometimes the tamburitza orchestra. Željko first researched Međimurje region in 1971 and continues to this day.

TRANSLATION: A white City

PRONUNCIATION: GRAHD SE BELLY

CD: “Ajde cure u kolo/ Come on girls, let’s dance!” Band #17

FORMATION: Closed circle of M and W, facing ctr with hands joined in W-pos.

STYLE: Flat footed, both M and W have same heavy styling. Knees are always slightly bent. Both M and W dance with energy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------METER: 4/4 PATTERN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meas. INTRODUCTION: 6 meas

1-6 Facing ctr. Wait FIG. 1 (Singing part) -“W” hold

1 Facing diag. to L, Step on L R, L fwd(ct.1,2,3); Lift on L, bring R ft next to L (ct.4)

2 Repeat Meas.1 with opp. ft and direction

3 Same foot work as Meas.1 but make half turn to CCW in place and face outside

4 Same foot work as Meas.2 but move bkwd twd ctr.

5-6 Facing outside, Stamp step on L fwd(ct.1); Stamp step on R next to L(cts.2,3);

Stamp step on L fwd(ct.4); Small stamp steps on R,L fwd(cts.5,6); Stamp step

on R fwd(cts.7,8)

7-8 Repeat Meas.5-6

9 Step on L to L(ct.1); Step on R next to L(ct.2); Step on L to L(ct.3); Touch on R

next to L(ct.4)

10 Repeat Meas.9 with opp. ft and direction

12

Grad se beli, Pg. 2

FIG. 2 (Instrumental part)

1-4 Facing CW, “V” hold, Repeat Singing part Meas.5-8

5 Step on L fwd (ct.1); Step on R next to L (ct. &); Step on L fwd (ct.2)-“two steps”

Repeat cts.1&2 with opp. ft

6 Repeat Meas.5

TRANSITION 1

1-4 Repeat Fig.2, Meas.4-5 two times- 8”two steps”

TRANSITION 2

1/2 Facing ctr., Bounce two times in place (cts.1,2)

TRANSITION 3

1-41/2 Repeat Transition 1 & 2

ENDING

1 Repeat Fig.2, Meas.4, cts.1&2 (cts.1&2); Facing ctr., stamp on R next to L(ct.3);

hold(ct.4)

SEQUENCE:

(Fig.1&2) x2

(Fig.1+Transition1)

(Fig.1&2+Transition 2)

(Fig.1&2+Transition 3)

(Fig.1&2+Ending)

1. Grad se beli preko Balatina, grad se beli preko Balatina, su-naj-naj, su-naj-naj, su-naj-naj, su-naj-naj, grad se beli preko Balatina.

2. Kre grada se sive ovce pasu...

3. Nje mi zvraća mlada devojčica...

4. Nje mi zvraća, veselo popeva...

5. Imam braca, imam i dragoga...

A town is being painted across Lake Balaton. Near the town there are grey sheep grazing. Sheep guards a young girl and sing cheerfully. I have a brother and I have a sweetheart.



13

GRAD SE BELI PREKO BALATINA

1. Grad se beli preko Balatina, grad se beli preko Balatina, su-naj-naj, su-naj-naj, su-naj-naj, su-naj-naj,

grad se beli preko Balatina.

2. Kre grada se sive ovce pasu... 3. Nje mi zvraća mlada devojčica... 4. Nje mi zvraća, veselo popeva... 5. Imam braca, imam i dragoga...

A town is being painted across Lake Balaton. Near the town there are grey sheep grazing. Sheep guards a young girl and sing cheerfully. I have a brother and I have a sweetheart.

croatian dances

Documents