BEROVKA

Macedonia

Named after the village of Berovo, in eastern Macedonia.

Source:	As learned by Tom Deering from Atanas Kolarovski and others.

Rhythm:	2/4 counted: 1 & 2 &

Recordings:	Folkraft LP-24

Novo Selo (Balkan Arts) - with Ratevka

Formation:	Danced in mixed lines holding belts. The leader on the right end of the line. The dance should start with the melodic phrase.

Note:	Berovka is often followed by Ratevka, a dance from a nearby village. When the two tunes are played together, there is no pause between the dances. Despite the fact that Berovka and Ratevka are in different rhythms (2/4 -> 7/16), there is often no warning that the tunes will change. Fortunately, the two dances are similar enough that the transition can be made easily if you listen to the music carefully.

Meas	Ct	Pattern

1	Moving and facing slightly R, with weight on L,

Hop-Step-Step (L, R, L) in LOD

2	Running Two-step (R, L, R) with a slight leap on count 1 of the measure

3	Another Running Two-step (L, R, L)

4	1	Turning to face center, Leap onto R in place, with L lifted in front of R

2	Hop on R in place keeping L lifted

5	1	Hop on R in place again with L still lifted

&	Still facing center, Step sidewards onto L

2	Step on L behind R

6	1	Small Leap onto L in place, lifting R slightly behind

2	Hop on L in place swinging R forward and low, almost straightening knee

7	1	Cross and a slight Leap onto R slightly in front of and left of L, bending body slightly forward, swinging L leg straight back

2	Pause (almost)

8	1	Hop on R in place, swinging L around on a low clockwise arc while turning slightly to face R

2	Continuing the motion to face R, a small Leap forward (LOD) onto L

Repeat from the beginning with no pause.

Dance description by Tom Deering

Presented by Tom Deering