ŽENSKO KRSTENO

Macedonia (Skopje Area)

Žensko 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.

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:	ČUKČE: 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 čukče 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 (ČUKČE) on R

2	Lift (ČUKČE) 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 (ČUKČE) on L

2	Lift (ČUKČE) 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 (ČUKČE) 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