                             OVCEPOLSKA POTRCULKA
                                   Macedonia

This dance is from the Ovcepole ("sheep field") region in central 
Macedonia, located between Sveti Nikola and Stip, southeast of 
Skopje. It is danced especially around St Nikola.

Source:     As learned by Tom Deering from Pece Atanasovski at his 
            camp in Otesevo Macedonia, 1976. 

Pronounced: ov-CHE-pol-ska po-TUR-chul-ka
            
Rhythm:     2/4

Recording:  JUGOTON LPY-50985

Formation:  Men and Women in mixed lines, hands joined down.

Steps:      CUKCE: ("CHOOK-chay") Lift the heel of the supporting foot
            slightly before the beat, bringing it down on the beat.

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Meas  Ct    BASIC FIGURE
----  --    ------------------------------------------------------------

1     1     Facing and moving Right and with a CUKCE in L before the beat
            Step fwd onto R
      2     Step forward onto L
2           REPEAT meas. 1
3     1     Two quick Running steps forward (R, L)
      2     Step on R
4     1     Two quick Running steps forward (L, R)
      2     Slight Leap onto L in preparation for the next step
5     1     Step forward onto R in front of L, bending both knees deeply
      2     Continue movement straightening R leg and bringing 
               L leg through
6           REPEAT meas. 5 with opposite footwork adding a small CUKCE on 
               L at the end
7     1     Step slightly forward onto R, turning to face center and 
               lifting L leg
      2     CUKCE on R keeping L leg raised.
8     1     Step on L to L
      2     Step on R to in front of L
9     1     Step on L to L
      2     Step on R to behind L, bringing arms slightly forward, 
               bent at elbow.
10    1     Step on L in place, lifting R on front of L, 
               swinging arms down and back
      2     Hop on L letting arms come slightly forward, bent at elbow.
11          REPEAT meas. 10 with opposite footwork
12          REPEAT meas. 10

            Variation I
      
1-10        Same as Basic Figure

11    1     Step on R in place, lifting R on front of L, 
               swinging arms down and back
      2     Hop on R bringing L leg sharply across in front of R shin, 
               (arms down)
12    1     Before the beat, a quick Step on ball of L foot in front 
               and slightly L
            Turning to face R, Step on R in place
      2     Facing and moving R, Leap forward onto L

Dance Description by Tom Deering

Presented by Tom Deering