Arap
REGION: Macedonia
TRANSLATION: A dark skinned person, Arab
RHYTHM: 2/4
ARMS: “V” position
BACKGROUND: I have no idea where the name comes from, although I have heard stories that the movements poke fun at the Turks clothing (loose pants). When the dance was first introduced to American folk dancers, there was no suitable music available on records, so another tune was chosen that was in the appropriate rhythm. This was the song “Zaiko Kokoraiko” and it was sung by the popular Macedonian singer, Alexander Sarievski. Alexander was one of the early dancers of Tanec who made a career for himself as a singer afterwards. This is a humorous song about a young rabbit who dresses up in the finery of a young bachelor and goes off to Solun to find a bride. Presently, the song and dance are so firmly intertwined together that many people believe that this is the only song used for this dance.
Description
Measure Count
1 1 With weight on left foot, and facing slightly to the right, step to the right with right foot.
2 Step forward in LOD with left foot.
2 1 Lift on left foot while raising right knee high, and bringing right leg out and around.
2 Step on right foot
3 1 Lift on right foot while raising left knee high, and bringing left leg out and around
2 Step on left foot
4 Repeat measure 2. At the end, face center.
5 1 Bring left foot backward and touch toes behind
2 Bring left foot forward and touch heel in front
6 1 Step backward on left foot
2 Step backward on right foot
7 1 Close left foot to right foot and bounce on heels 1 time
2 Bounce on heels 2 more times. At end shift weight to left foot.
8 1 Cross and step on right foot in front of left foot
2 Step in place on left foot.
Measure 7 can be described as three bounces in rhythm QQS.
© John Pappas, 2010. As presented at the MPO day of learning, Springfield, Ohio, April 17, 2010.