PETRUNINO HORO

Western Bulgaria - Šop

Petrunino, "Petruna's Dance," is one of the standard dances associated with the Šop region of Bulgaria (around Sofia). Its rhythmic structure is similar to the more familiar Eleno Mome. The dance is very light and lively, with vigorous footwork.

Rhythm:	Conceptually:	Slow, Quick, Quick, Quick, Slow

1 2 3 4 5

7/8, Counted:	2/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 2/8

OR

12/16, Counted: 3/16 2/16 2/16 2/16 3/16

Recording:	NP595 "Šopska Horovodna" or any "Petrunino" of a suitable tempo.

Formation:	Short lines of men and women, belt hold (left over right). The leader is at the right end of the line. The steps are usually not called per se, but the rest of the line usually follows the leader's step changes.

The basic step described here progresses around the floor in a slight repeating oval pattern. Since several of the variations are danced more in place, the leader should transition into them by first settling into the "in-place" version of the basic (the first variation).

Meas	Ct	BASIC STEP

1	1	Facing slightly and moving R, Hop on L, swinging R sharply across in front of L shin (like a soccer kick) - higher for men

2-5	Four running steps R, L, R, L, with "energetic knees"

2	1	Pivoting on L foot to face center, Step on R in place ("twizzle" step)

2	Step to L onto L foot, picking R foot up almost like a prance

3	Continuing to L, Step on R just behind L (prancing)

4	Step to L onto L foot (prancing)

5	Continuing to L, Step on R just behind L (prancing)

3	1	With the hop as a little "hitch" step before the beat, Hop-Step onto L foot moving slightly forward

2-3	Continuing slightly forward, Hop on L then Step on R

4-5	Turning gradually to face R, Hop on R then Step on L

All of the following variations replace the third measure of the basic. The rest of the dance does not change except to facilitate the transitions in and out of the variation (the footwork does not change regardless). The variations can be done as the individual dancer pleases as long as the general movement of the line is maintained.

VARIATION - Basic in Place

3	1-5	As in the Basic above, but the entire measure is danced in place facing center. The Hop-Steps become more like Lift-Steps.

VARIATION - Prances in Place

3	1	With the hop as a little "hitch" step before the beat, Hop-Step onto L

2	Step on R in front of L

3	Step on L back in place

4	Step on R in place beside L

5	Step on L across in front of R, preparing to move to the R

VARIATION - Scissors in Place

3	1	With the hop as a little "hitch" step before the beat, Hop-Step onto L

2	Step on R in place, thrusting L forward low (a scissor step)

3-5	Step on L, R, L with three more scissor steps in place

VARIATION - Touch Step Forward

3	1	With the hop as a little "hitch" step before the beat, Hop-Step onto L

2	Touch R toe directly in front of L, twisting R knee to L

3	Step on R straight forward

4	Touch L toe directly in front of R, twisting L knee to R

5	Step on L straight forward

Dance Description by Tom Deering

Presented by Tom Deering