                                ZENSKO KRSTENO
                            Macedonia (Skopje Area)

Zensko Krsteno is literally a "Woman's Crossing" dance, from Skopje.

Source:      As learned by Tom Deering from Atanas Kolarovski, 
             Dennis Boxell, Pece Atanasovski, and Michelle Anciaux.

Pronounced:  ZHEN-sko KUR-ste-no

Rhythm:      13/16  counted:  Slow, Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick, Quick
                               1      2      3      4      5      6  
                              3/16   2/16   2/16   2/16   2/16   2/16

Recordings:  Folkraft LP-25: Clarinet & Accordion Orkestar
             RTB LP 1394: Pece Atanasovski Orchestra - Zurlas & Tapan

Formation:   Originally a women's dance, now danced in mixed lines with
             arms up ("W" position). The essence of the dance is still
              very feminine, with small quick steps and low lifts.

Steps:       CUKCE:  ("CHOOK-chay") Lift the heel of the supporting 
             foot slightly before the beat, bringing it down on the 
             beat - think "ah" when counting it in the dance. When a 
             lift is involved, usually the lifted leg is already up 
             and in place when the cukce is executed.

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

Meas   Ct    BASIC STEP
----  --     -----------------------------------------------------------
             The dance can start anywhere in the music. Often the first
             step starts with counts 4-6 of measure 3 (Cross and Leap
             onto L directly in front of R, then Step back onto L
             in place)

1      1     Standing on R, facing center with L in front of R ankle, 
                a small Lift (CUKCE) on R
       2     Lift (CUKCE) again on R
       3     Step on L slightly sideward L (in place really)
       4     Cross and Leap onto R directly in front of L
       5-6   Step back onto L in place

2            REPEAT measure 1 with opposite footwork
3            REPEAT measure 1

4      1     Turning to face slightly R, Lift (CUKCE) on L
       2     Lift (CUKCE) again on L
       3     Step forward on R
       4&5   Step very quickly L, R, L
       6     Pause

5      1     Small Leap forward onto ball of R foot
         &   Small Leap forward onto L foot
       2     Small Leap forward onto R foot
       3     Pause
       4     Leap Forward onto L, turning to face center
       5-6   Step back onto R in place
       

             VARIATION
             -----------------------------------------------------------
             (This is actually a simpler form, usually only danced
             when the music is slower and often not at all once
             the "basic" is mastered.)

1-3          Same as Basic

4      1     Turning to face slightly R, Lift (CUKCE) on L
       2-3   Step forward on R
       4     Leap forward onto L
       5-6   Step forward on R

5      1     Small Leap forward onto L foot
       2     Small Leap forward onto R foot
       3     Pause
       4     Leap Forward onto L, turning to face center
       5-6   Step back onto R in place

Dance Description by Tom Deering