                          PRAVO DRACEVKO
                             Macedonia


A "straight," dance from Dracevo, a village just outside Skopje, 
the capitol city of Macedonia. This is a dance that Atanas 
Kolarovski has danced since childhood.

Source:     As learned by Tom Deering from Atanas Kolarovski

Pronounced: PRA-voh Dra-chev-sko

Rhythm:     7/16 counted:  Quick, Quick, Slow
                            1      2      3
                           1 &    2 &   3 & a

Recording:  Monitor Dances of Macedonia

Formation:  Danced in mixed lines initially holding hands with arms 
            up ("W" position) with the leader on the right end of the 
            line. As the music gets more energetic, the step changes 
            and the arms are lowered. The dance can be started anywhere 
            in the music.  Figure changes are signalled by the leader. 
            Usually the basic pattern is danced until the music gets 
            more energetic, then the leader switches to the second 
            pattern. Often the leader returns to the first pattern 
            before the music ends. Think of the second pattern as 
            an interlude.

Style Note: Pravo Dracevko is a village dance, usually danced outside 
            in the dirt and grass. It has a somewhat heavy feeling 
            and should be danced with the knees bent to avoid falling 
            from dancing on the uneven ground. Pick up your feet to 
            not trip in the grass.

=======================================================================

Meas  Ct    FIGURE I - Basic Pattern - Arms Up
----- ----  ------------------------------------------------------------

1     1,2   Facing and moving R, Step forward onto R ft
      3     Step forward onto L ft

2     1     Step forward onto R ft
      2,3   Bring L foot up beside R then forward reaching slightly 
               with L heel

3     1     Step onto L ft
      2     Step onto R ft behind and almost displacing L ft
      3     Step on L ft forward, picking up R ft

            Repeat Figure I from the beginning

            FIGURE II - More Energetic - Arms Down

1           Same as meas. 1 above with an optional leap on count 1 
               when music picks up

2     1     Step forward onto R ft leaving L ft on floor behind
      2     Rise Up slightly leaving both feet solidly on the ground
      3     Sink Down slightly leaving both feet solidly on the ground

3     1     Step onto L ft displacing R ft
      2     Step forward onto R ft
      3     Step onto L ft, picking up R ft slightly behind
            Note: Don't rush this measure. The three steps should 
                  feel almost even.

            Repeat Figure II from beginning

Dance Description by Tom Deering (January 2000)
