GRAOVSKO HORO ( )

(Grah-ov-sko Hoe-rro)

Sofia District (Šop Region), Western Bulgaria

Source:	As learned by Tom Deering from various people over the years. This arrangement is really a combination of two dances, Graovsko Horo and Divotinsko or Sitno Šopsko Horo, the latter done when the music changes tempo and melody.

Rhythm:	Graovsko (slower):	2/4 counted 1 & 2 &

Divotinsko (faster):	2/2 counted 1 2

Music:	Any Graovsko music be used, although for this arrangement music that changes to the faster Šopsko Horo at the end is required. The following recording is excellent:

Balkanton BHA 1971: Malaševsko Horo

Formation:	Short lines of men and women. Dancers can hold belts or hands, although not mixed in the same line. Belt hold is most common.

The dance travels to the right, with the leader on the right end. At the beginning of each Graovsko dance pattern, the dancers will be facing left and moving right (backwards). The Divotinsko section is danced essentially in place.

Meas	Ct	Basic Graovsko (slower music)

Start with weight on L foot, facing L ready to move R

1	1	Facing L, Step back onto R

2	Step on L beside R

2	REPEAT measure 1

3	1	Turn to face R (line of dance), Step on R

&	Step on L beside R

2	Step on R

4	1	Step on L

&	Step on R beside L

2	Step on L

5	1	Turn to face center, leaving some weight on L, Step on R in place next to L with slight jump

2	Lift L up sharply in front of R leg

6	1	Step on L sideways to L

2	Step on R in front of L, bending both knees

7	1	Step on L sideways to L, straightening both knees

2	Step on R behind L

8	1	Leaving some weight on L, Step on L in place with slight jump

2	Lift R up in front of L leg

9	1	Touch R next to L

&	Small bounce on L, Lifting R slightly

2	Step on R across in front of L, bending both knees slightly

10	1	Touch L next to R, standing tall

&	Small bounce on R, Lifting L slightly

2	Step on R across in front of R, bending both knees slightly

Meas	Ct	Variation I (Substitute the following into the basic dance)

3	1	Turning to face R (line of dance) Step on R forward, bending knees and leaving L in place

2	Rise up by straightening R knee, lifting entire body up about 6". L foot should be off the floor

4	1	Step on L beside R

&	Step on R beside L

2	Step on L forward

Variation II - Prances (Substitute into the basic dance)

9	1	Step on R in place, lifting L knee across in front of R leg

2	Step on L in place, lifting R knee across in front of L leg

10	REPEAT measure 9

Meas	Ct	Divotinsko or Sitno Šopsko (fast music)

Šopka Step (each step is 1 meas. long but usually done in even numbers):

1	1	With weight on ball of L foot and R foot off the floor, Touch ball of R foot next to L, while also bouncing on L so L heel touches floor

&	Lift R foot straight up while also bouncing on L so L heel touches floor

2	Step on R in place, lifting L foot

2	Repeat measure 1 with opposite footwork

The Dance Sequence - repeat to the end of the music

1-8	Standing tall and facing center, 8 Šopka Steps in place

9	1	Touch R heel forward, dropping R shoulder very slightly

2	Step on R slightly behind where heel touched floor

10	REPEAT measure 9 with opposite footwork

11	1	Lift R slightly behind while tapping L heel and dropping R shoulder very slightly

2	Step on R slightly behind

12	REPEAT measure 11 with opposite footwork

13	1	Lift R slightly in front while tapping L heel

2	Stamp R heel slightly in front

14	1	Step on R in place lifting L slightly in front

2	Stamp L heel slightly in front

15	1	Step on L in place, scooting R foot forward (scissor step)

2	Step on R in place, scooting L foot forward

16

1	Bring L next to R and tap Both heels on floor

2	Lift R sharply up in front of L knee while tapping L heel

Dance Description by Tom Deering

Presented by Tom Deering