TRAKIJSKA RACENICA
                       Western Thrace, Central Bulgaria

Source:     A typical line Racenica representative of the steps and 
            movements of western Thrace.

Pronounced: TRA-kee-ska ruh-CHE-nee-tsa

Rhythm:     7/16 (Racenica) counted 1, 2, 3  or Q, Q, S  
                 (1-2, 1-2 1-2-3)

Music:      Any slower Thracian Racenica.

Formation:  Mixed or segregated lines of men and women, hands 
            joined up ("W" hold).

Style:      A slightly heavy dance with bent knees and a loose but 
            controlled upper body. Arm movements should be large 
            and comfortable.

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Meas  Ct    The Dance
----- ----  -----------------------------------------------------------

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

1     1-2   Step forward (line of direction) onto R bending both legs
      3     Rise Up slightly with weight on R, lifting L foot just 
               barely off floor
2           REPEAT measure 1 with opposite footwork

3           Basic Racenica Step (travelling)
      1        Continuing to move forward (line of direction), 
                  Step on R
      2        Step on L beside and slightly in front of R
      3        Step on forward on R, bending R knee slightly
4           REPEAT measure 3 with opposite footwork

5     1-2   Turn to face center, Step sideward to R onto R, 
               lowering arms
      3     Step on L behind R, swinging arms down and back
6     1-2   Step sideward to R onto R, raising arms
      3     Slight Lift on R bringing L knee beside R leg 
               (R heel comes down on beat)

7     1-2   Step straight forward (toward center) onto R
      3     Slight Lift on L bringing R knee beside L leg 
               (L heel comes down on beat)
8     1-2   Step straight back onto R
      3     Slight Lift on R hanging L leg beside R leg 
               (R heel comes down on beat)

9     1-2   Still facing center and moving L, Touch L foot sideward 
               to L, taking weight at the last moment
      3     Step on R behind L
10          REPEAT measure 9

11-14       REPEAT measures 5-8 with opposite footwork

15          Basic Racenica Step (in place)
      1     Step on R in place, bending R knee
      2     Touch L in place beside R, just barely taking weight
      3     Small Leap in place onto R, bending R knee slightly
16          REPEAT measure 15 with opposite footwork

Dance Description by Tom Deering