Eyiya (Turkey)

Eyiya

Turkey

These notes ©2017, Andrew Carnie. Originally taught by Ahmet Lüleci. The name of the dance is the name of a village on the Black Sea

Music: Lüleci Turkish Dances 3
Meter: 7/8 counted as QQS
Formation: Short line, hands interdigitated with forearms parallel to the ground. Traditionally the leader is in the middle of the line, but the dance progresses to the R (CCW)
Introduction: Begin dance with Zurnas (after drums)

(Part 1A)

In all of his instructions, Ahmet has a 4 bar step done only once at the beginning of the music, but he actually doesn't do this step in the video on his VHS tape, instead he goes straight into part 1B. We skip this introductory step too. I note it here for completeness.
Bar 1: Step R (Q), L (Q), R (S) in place
Bar 2: Step L (Q), R (Q), L (S) in place
Bar 3: Step R (Q), L (Q), R (S) moving into the center to the diagonal R
Bar 4: Step L backwards (QQ), Touch R toe next to L (S)

Part 1B

This is the step we actually start with in Tucson and it's the step Ahmet starts with in his video.
Bar 1: Step R (Q), L (Q), R (S) in place
Bar 2: Step L (Q), R (Q), L (S) in place
Bar 3: Step R (Q), L (Q), R (S) in place
Bar 4: Step L (Q), R (Q), L (S) moving in to the center to the diagonal R
Bar 5: Step back out of the center R (QQ), L (S)

repeat until leader calls a change (usually 7 or 8 times, typically with a change in the music)

Transition to Part 2:

Bar 1: facing center, leap on R to R, leaving L foot at floor bending L knee towards R knee  (QQ), Step on L to L (S), arms come down to sides.

Part 2

Bar 1: Facing center, cross R over L (QQ), Step on L to L (S). Shoulders shimmy throughout.
Bar 2: Cross R over L, shimmying shoulders (QQ), Leap on L to L, bending R knee towards L knee, keeping R foot on floor. Arms swing down and back (S)
Bar 3: Step on R to R, arms swing back up to parallel-to-floor position (QQ), Cross L over R, arms swing down and back (S)
Bar 4: facing center, leap on R to R, leaving L foot at floor bending L knee towards R knee, arms swing back up to parallel-to-floor position  (QQ), Step on L to L (S).

repeat until leader calls a change (usually 7 or 8 times, typically with a change in the music)

Other instructions on the web

• Page 6 of (2003) Laguna Festival Syllabus
• Page 100b of 2002 Stockton Folk Dance Camp

Other Sources

• Luleci, Ahmet (2003), VHS Video Tape #3

Read More

Kırmızı Biber (Turkey)

Kırmızı Biber

Turkey

These notes ©2017, Andrew Carnie. Originally taught and choreographed by Roberto Bagnoli. The dance title translates as "Chili Pepper"

Music: Bendeniz: Turkish Groove; https://youtu.be/buBZbcJbfnI; Bagnoli's Ethnic Festival 2010

Meter: 4/4

Formation: Open circle, leads R, hands down in V position

Introduction: wait 15 counts after the bağlama starts playing.

Part 1: Halay Step

This step crosses the bars, so I've broken it down by count rather than by bar:
Count 1: facing center, stomp on R to R
Count 2: Cross L over R
Count &: Step on R to R
Count 3: Cross L over R
Count 4: Step on R to R
Count &: Close L next to R with weight
Count 5: Step on R to R
Count &: Close L next to R with weight
Count 6: Step on R to R
Count 7: Step on L behind R

Repeat the above sequence six more times. Then do counts 1-3 one more time. 

This step is only done once at the beginning of the dance. It is never repeated.

Part 2: 

Bar 1: Step on R foot to R (1), Close L next to R (&), Step on R to R (2), Close L next to R (&), Step on R to R (3), close L next to R (&), leap on to R to R (4), arms swing low in front of body from L to R.  and flick up to R side.
Bar 2: Repeat bar 1 with opposite footwork and direction, hands swing low in front of body from R to L.
Bar 3: Walk R (1), L (2), R (3) L (4) tracing a 1/2 CW circle to face out. L hand is held out extended, R hand is held in front of body with elbow held parallel to the ground.
Bar 4: Stamp R foot slightly in front of L and clap hands to left of head (1), Leaving your heel on the ground tap your right toe to the R, holding hands in "clapped" position next to head (2), tap toe forward (3) then to the R again (4)
Bars 5-8: repeat bars 1-4 back to original direction.
Bar 9: Take 4 steps (R,L,R,L) making a complete CW circle in place.

Part 3

Bar 1: traveling into the center, step R (1), L (&), R (2),  L (3), R (&), L (4)
Bar 2: Rock on R into the center, with a knee bend lowering shoulders forward. Shimmy if you can (1), Rock back on L straightening up (2), Rock forward on R again (3), Rock back on L (4)
Bar 3: back away from the center, stepping R (1), L (&), R (2),  L (3), R (&), L (4)
Bar 4: Stamp/scuff R foot next to L (1), Hop on L (&), Step on R slightly to R (2), Stamp/scuff L next to R (3), hop on R (&), Step on L next to L (4)
Bars 5-8: repeat bars 1-4

Alternate steps 2 and 3 until the end of the music

Other instructions on the web:

• http://www.floridafolkdancer.org/Camp2016/BagnoliDanceNotes.pdf

Tucson Video 

Other videos on the web

Lyrics

from: http://www.allthelyrics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57641

Telaşımı var acelesi mi var
Kısa bir öpücük çok işime yarar
Allah'im bana ne oldu bu defa
Devam ediyor bak oyunlarına

Kuytularımı kokularımı
Unuttun mu sen o ayıplarını
Zaten ne kadar aklın vardı
Onu da bana ver sevişmek ne güzel

Bastım mühürü görecek gününü
Arayıp soracak tek tek bakacak
Evirip çevirip düşecek elime

Canını yakarım hadi gör bakalım
Bal döken diline "kırmızı biberi"
Sürmedim ama sürerim bu defa

Ben kimdim ben uçup gittim ellerinden
Neydi inkar ettiğin bu çılgınlık içinden
Zarardayım senin yasaklı şeytan yüzünden
Öldürüyor bu hali nasıl çıldırttı bilmiyor

From comments on the youtube video:

Is she in a hurry, is she in haste A short kiss suits me very well My God, what happened to me this time Look, she is still playing her tricks Did you forget my hidden places,  my scents, those shames of yours Anyway, however much of your mind is left Give me that too, how beautiful it is to make love I stamped her seal, she will see her day (this is a exact translation but the meaning of "she will see her day" is "to punish") She will seek and ask, one after another she will look She will turn around and around and fall into my hand I torment you, come on, let's see I did not rub the red pepper on your honey-pouring tongue, but this time I roll it up  Who was I, I flew and went away from her hands What have you denied through this madness I am in loss because of your forbidden devil This attitude of hers is killing me, she doesn't know how she drove me crazy

Also spelled Kirmizi

Read More

Elo Dîno (Turkey)

Elo Dîno 

Kurdistan/Turkey

This is a Kurdish dance, from Southeast Turkey,  that Ahmet Lüleci learned in Germany from members of the Kurdish Diaspora. There are a couple of dances done to this music -- see the video links below

Music: Koma Gulén Xerzan: Elo Dîno
Meter: 4/4
Formation: Shortlines, hands interdigitated, and held very straight and back. Stand very close to each other L shoulder in front of neighbor's R
Introduction: Wait through all the drumming and then wait through 1 bar (4 counts) of the singing.

Part 1: Done to Acapella singing

Bar 1: Facing center, step on R to R (1), Cross L over R (2), Close R next to L, with bent knees, no weight (3), Bounce on both feet (4), bounce again (&)
Bars 2-12: repeat bar 1, eleven more times

Part 2: When the instrumentation joins in.

Bar 1:   Step on R into the center to the diagonal R (1), Step on L to diagonal L (2), Rock straight back on R (3), Rock straight forward on L (4)
Bar 2: Step back out of center on R (1), Step back out of center on L (2) Stamp R next to L (3) Stamp R next to L again (4)
Repeat bars 1-2 until the end of the music.

Tucson Video

Other Videos on the web:

This is not the same dance as the one described above, but is clearly related:


Again, not exactly the same dance, but related


This is a completely different dance done to the same music:

Other Sources

• Luleci, Ahmet (2016) Instructional DVD
• Luleci, Ahmet (2016) Unpublished dance instructions

Also spelled: Dino, Ello, Aliyo

Read More

Gün Ola (Luleci Version) - Turkey

Gün Ola - Ahmet Luleci Version

Turkey

These notes ©2017, Andrew Carnie. This version originally taught by Ahmet Luleci. There is another dance by the same name taught by Bora Özkök. The name translates as "New Day".

Music: Ahmet Lüleci CD #8
Meter: 2/4
Formation: Open Circle, leads to the right. Hands up in V position.
Introduction: You can wait through two bars , if you do this, leave off the first two bars described in part 1.

Part 1: Instrumental

Bar 1: Facing center, cross L over R with a bent knee (1), Step on R to R straightening knees (2)
Bar 2: Repeat bar 1
Bar 3: Repeat bar 1
Bar 4: Hop on R and Kick L forward out diagonally to R, with a straight leg (1), Stamp L next to R (2)
Bars 5-44: repeat bars 1-4, 10 more times (11 in total)

Part 2: Singing

Bar 1: Facing and traveling into the center, cross L over R (1), Close R next to L (1), step L into center (2)
Bar 2: repeat Bar 1 with opposite footwork
Bar 3: Stamp L foot into the center, bent over slightly (1), pause (2)
Bar 4: repeat bar 3
Bars 5-8: repeat bars 1-4
Bar 9: Without dropping hands, pulling R shoulder back, turn 1/2 way around CW to face out. Repeat the footwork of Bar 1, dancing out.
Bar 10: Repeat bar 2 dancing out of center
Bars 11-12: repeat bars 9-10.
Bars 13-24: repeat bars 1-12, start by pulling L shoulder back to turn CCW to face center.

Repeat entire dance from the beginning, then do part 1 one more time, then end by doing part 2 bars 1-8, end with the stamp

Other notes on the web

• Page 45 of the 2013 Kentucky Dance Institute
• http://lagunainternationaldancers.weebly.com/uploads/9/7/4/0/9740787/_laguna_festival_syllabus_2017_-_ahmet_luleci.pdf

Tucson Video

Other Sources

• Lüleci, Ahmet (2016) Video on DVD from Laguna Institute

Also spelled: Gun

Read More

Şaşkın - Tucson Version (Turkey)

Şaşkın (Shortened Tucson Version)

Turkey

These notes ©2017, Andrew Carnie. Originally taught by Ahmet Lüleci. The name translates as "dazed". Ahmet originally taught 4 steps to this dance. In Tucson we only do two of these steps. See linked notes below for the fuller version.

Music: Ahmet Lüleci Turkish Dances 2, Ahmet Lüleci Turkish Dances 4
Meter: 4/4
Formation: Open circle, Fingers interdigitated, arms held down and very close to the body (glu glu position)
Introduction: Leader calls start.

Part 1

Bar 1; Facing center, step R (1), L (2), R (3), L (4) in LOD
Bar 2: Leap on R across in front of L (1), Leap back on L (2), Leap back on R behind L (3), Leap forward on L (4)
repeat until the leader calls a change.

Part 2

Bar 1: Drop hands. Traveling into the center step R across in front of L, clap hands in front of body (1), close L behind R (&), Step forward on R, clap hands in front of body (2), Still moving forward, cross L over R, clap hands (3), Close R behind (&), Step on L forward, clapping again (4)
Bar 2: repeat bar 1
Bar 3: Pulling L shoulder back, make a 1/2 CCW turn to face out by stepping on R foot, R arm is raised (1), Close L behind R (&), Step out on R (2), Still moving out, cross L over R (3), Close R behind (&), Step on L forward (4)
Bar 4: repeat bar 3.
On the first count of Bar 1 on the repeat turn CCW 1/2 way to face in, and then repeat the sequence to until the leader calls a change back to the first step.

Other notes on the web

• Page 115 of 2001 Stockton Folk Dance Camp Syllabus
• http://www.socalfolkdance.com/dances/S/Saskin.pdf

Other videos on the web

Other Sources

• Lüleci, Ahmet (2005) Turkish Dances DVD #5

Also spelled: Saskin, Shashkin, Şaşkin

Read More

Rençber (Turkey)

Rençber

Turkey

©2016 Andrew Carnie. Originally taught in the US by Bora Özkök, who learned the dance from Yusuf Dener in 1977. It is part of a suite from Sümoter Ensemble of Izmir. The dance represents actions done on a farm. The men are looking for good soil, then the seeds are sowed, and then the harvest. The dance was brought to Turkey by people from the former Jugoslavia.

Music: Horon 101
Meter: 4/4 & 2/4
Formation: Short lines. Traditionally only done by men. Shoulder (T) hold
Introduction: 2 bars no action, According to Bora's notes you start dance with "hopa" heard on recording. However we actually wait until the beginning of the next bar after the "hopa",

Part 1: Slow Music

Start facing center
Bar 1: Fall on R to R in a stomp (1,2), Cross L over R (3,4)
Bar 2: Step on R in a stomp (1), Swing L foot up and around to back (2,3,4)
Bar 3: Fall on L behind R (1), Swing R foot up and around to back (2,3,4)
Bars 4-21:   repeat bars 1-3, six more times

Bora's notes have an alternative variation, where on bar 2 you step on R, and then twist to the R bending down you touch L knee down to the ground and on bar 2, you step on L and then twist to L, bending down to touch R knee to the ground. Bora's notes suggest alternating this variation with the one described above

Part 2: 2/4

You'll hear a "heyyaa" in the music. Complete the foot work of part 2, and then start the footwork of this step with the fast music. Switch to a belt hold. 
Bar 1: Step R very very slightly forward (1,2),
Bar 2: Step L forward very slightly (1,2)
Bars 3-8: repeat bars 1-2, three more times
Bar 9: Click R next to L, with weight, shout "hop" (1), pause (2)
Bar 10: Click L next to R with weight, should "hey" (1), pause (2)
Bar 11: Click R next to L, without weight, shout "ha" (1), pause (2)
Bar 12: Hop on L, shout "hey" (1), Hop on L again, shout "Hey" (2)

Part 3: Basic step (2/4)

Bars 1-3 constitute what's called the "basic step" throughout the rest of these notes.
Bar 1: Step R (1), L (2) backing up
Bar 2: Step R (1), Kick L forward  (2)
Bar 3: Step on L in place (1), hop on L, while Lift R knee high, R toe pointing down (2)
Bars 4-12: repeat bars 1-3, three more times.

Part 4: Ha Şimdi  (High Kicks)

During bar 12 of the previous step, you'll hear "Ha şimdi" shouted on the recordgin to tell you to do this step.
Bar 1: Step R (1), L (2) in place
Bar 2: Step R (1), Kick L forward  (2)
Bar 3: Step on L in place (1). Kick R out to R side (slightly in front of neighbor's legs).
Bar 4: Repeat bar 3 with opposite footwork
Bars 5-6: repeat bars 3-4.

Part 5: 123 stamps

Bar 1: Step L (1), R (2) in place, turning slightly to RLOD
Bar 2: Step L in place (1), stamp R next to R (2)
Bars 3-4: repeat bars 1-2 with opposite footwork, turning slightly to LOD
Bars 5-8: repeat bars 1-4

Part 6: Pas-de basques

Bar 1: Leap onto L (1), cross R over L (&), step on L in place (2)
Bar 2: repeat bar 1 with opposite footwork
Bar 3: repeat bar 1

Part 7: Hey Hey Hey 

Bar 1: Leap onto R in place, lifting L in front. Shout "hey". (1) Leap onto L, lifting R in front, shout "hey" (2)
Bar 2: Repeat bar 1
Bar 3: Leap onto R (1), cross L over L (&), step on R in place (2)
Bar 4: Repeat bar 3 with opposite footwork
Bars 5-6: Repeat bars 1-2
Bar 7: Step R (1), L (2)  turning to face RLOD

Part 8: Stamp 123s

Bar 1: Stamp on R next to L (1). Starting to turn to the R to face LOD, step on R (2)
Bar 2: Step on L (1), R (2) completing turn to face LOD
Bars 3-4: repeat bars 1-2, with opposite footwork and direction.
Bars 5-6: repeat bars 1-2
Bar 7: Stamp L, no weight (1) pause (2)
Bar 8: Facing center, step back on L (1), pause (2)
Bar 9: Step back on R (1) kick L forward (2)
Bar 10: Step on L (1), hop on L, lifting R up, with toe pointed down (2)

Part 9: 3 basics

Bars 1-9: do 3 basic steps (see part 3)

Part 10: Kes

Bar 1: Step backwards on R (1), Step back on L (2)
Bar 2: Step forward on R (1), chug forward on R, kicking L forward (2)
Bar 3: Step forward on L (1), Kick R foot forward (2)
Bar 4: Slap flat R foot forward across in front of L (R knee straight) (1,2)
Bar 5: Slap R forward again (1,2),
Bar 6: And slap again (1,2)
Bar 7: Leap onto R, sharply lifting L up  (1), hold this position through the pause in the music
Bar 8: Slowly Start to fall forward on L, bending at waist on "hoop" (1) fall onto L on "Hey" (2)
Bars 9-10: Back up stepping R (1), L (2), R (1), each of these steps happens when the recording says "hey". pause (2)
Bar 11: Step on back on L (1), hop on L, lifting R knee up as in the last count of the basic (2)

Part 11: 3 Basics

Bars 1-9: do 3 basic steps

Part 12: Kes again

Repeat Part 10

Part 13: 4 Basics

Bars 1-12: do 4 basics

Part 14: Kaz

Bar 1: Step backwards on R (1), Step back on L (2)
Bar 2: Step forward on R (1), chug forward on R, kicking L forward (2)
Bar 3: Step forward on L (1), Kick R foot forward (2)
Bar 4: Slap flat R foot forward across in front of L (R knee straight) (1,2)
Bar 5: Slap R forward again (1,2)
Bar 6: Brush R foot straight towards back, bending at waist (1,2)
Bar 7: Brush R foot forward, straightening up (1,2)
Bar 8: Squat on both feet and straighten up (1,2)
Bar 9: Step R (1), L (&), R (2) moving slightly forward
Bar 10: repeat bar 9 with opposite footwork
Bar 11: repeat bar 9
Bar 12 repeat bar 10, but backing up
Bar 13: repeat bar 12, with opposite footwork
Bar 14: repeat bar 12
Bar 15: Step on R (1), Kick L forward (2)
Bar 16: Step on L in place (1), bounce on L (2)

Part 15: Basics

Bars 1-9: do three basic steps

Part 16: Kaz again

repeat part 14

Part 17: Basics

Bars 1-9: do three basic steps

Part 18: Kir

Bar 1: Step backwards on R (1), Step back on L (2)
Bar 2: Step on R forward  (1), hop on R, swinging L leg around to face LOD
Bar 3: Cross L over R (1) hop on L, swinging R leg around to face LOD
Bar 4: Repeat bar 3 with opposite footwork
Bars 5-6: repeat bars 3-4
Bars 7-8: repeat bars 3-4
Bar 9: step on L facing forward (1), hop on L, lifting R knee up with toe pointed down (2)

Part 19: Basics

Bars 1-9: do three basic steps

Part 20: Kir again

repeat part 18

Part 21: Basics

Bars 1-9: Do three basic steps

Part 22: Topla

Bar 1: Step backwards on R (1). Step back on L (2)
Bar 2: Step on R forward  (1). Hop on R (2)
Bar 3: Step forward on L (1). Hop on L, swinging R leg in front (2)
Bar 4: Cross R foot over L, leading with heel (1) Step on L to L, with L toe pointed to left (2), head looks to L.
Bar 5: repeat bar 4
Bar 6: Cross R foot over L (1), hop on R turning body to face LOD, swinging L foot around
Bars 7-9: repeat bars 4-6, with opposite footwork and direction
Bars 10-12: repeat bars 4-6
Bar 13: Step on L in place and shout "Hey" (1), hop on L and shout "hey" (2)

Part 23: Basics

Bars 1-12: do 4 basic steps

Part 24: Topla again

Repeat part 22

Part 25: Basics

Bars 1-12: do 4 basic steps

Part 26: Biç

Bar 1: Step backwards on R (1). Step back on L (2)
Bar 2: Step on R forward  (1). Hop on R (2)
Bar 3: Step forward on L (1), circle R forward in an arc, sweeping the floor (2)
Bar 4: Repeat bar 3 with opposite footwork
Bars 5-6: repeat bars 3-4
Bar 7: Step on L in place, lifting R up. Shout "hey" (1), Hop on L and shout "hey" again (2)

Part 27: Basics

Bars: 1-12: do 4 basic steps

Part 28: Biç again

Repeat part 26

Part 29: Basics

Bars 1-12: Do 4 basic steps

Part 30: Ending

Bar 1: Step backwards on R (1). Step back on L (2)
Bar 2: Step on R forward  (1). Hop on R (2)
Bar 3: Step on L forward (1). Kick R forward (2)
Bar 4: Slap R foot forward with a flat foot and straight knee, bent over at the waist (1), hold (2)

Other notes on the web

• Page 123 of (1978) Stockton Folk Dance Camp
• (1977) Holiday Camp Syllabus

Tucson Video

Other Videos on the web

• Rençber starts at 9:10: https://archive.org/details/1995HoustonInternationalFolkDancersTurkishTxFolklife

Also spelled: Rencber, Renchber

Read More

Dere Boyu Kavaklar (USA/Turkey)

Dere Boyu Kavaklar 

USA/Turkey

These notes ©2016, Andrew Carnie. Choreographed for the US Sacred Circle dance movement by Lesley Laslett in a Turkish/Israeli style.

Music: Fuat Saka "Dere Boyu Kavaklar"
Meter: 2/4
Formation: Close circle, start with hands in W position
Introduction: Do nothing for 8 bars of saz music. Start stepping on the heavy chord. (Depending upon the recording there may also be some fuzzy stuff and drumming before the saz starts playing)

Part 1

Bar 1: Rock onto R into the center, swinging hands down and bending forward at the waist (1), Rock back in place on the L, bringing hands back up to W position and straightening up (2)
Bar 2: Rock backwards on R away from center (1), Rock forwards in place on L (2)
Bars 3-8: repeat bars 1-2, three more times.
[On subsequent repeats of this step add the following 4 bars:
Bars 9-12: repeat bars 1-2, two more time]

Part 2: singing

Bar 1: Step on R into the center (1), close L behind R (&), Step R into the Center (2)
Bar 2: Touch L heel forward (1), Touch heel again (2)
Bar 3: Cross L over R (1), Step R to R (&), Cross L over R (2)
Bar 4: Repeat bar 2 with opposite footwork
Bar 5: Step on R backwards (1), Step on L next to R (&), Step on R forward (2) [i.e., a back yemenite]
Bar 6: Step backwards on L (1), Step backwards on R (2)
Bar 7: Repeat bar 5 with opposite footwork [i.e. a back yemenite L]
Bar 8: Step back on R (1), Step back on L (2)
Bar 9: Repeat bar 3 with opposite footwork and direction [Crossing]
Bar 10: Sway L (1), R (2)
Bar 11: Repeat bar 7 [back yemenite L]
Bar 12: Repeat bar 4 [two R heels]
Bars 13-24: Repeat bars 1-12
Bars 25-36: Repeat bars 1-12
Bars 37-47: Repeat bars 1-11 (leave off the final two heel touches)

Ending

Bars 1-4: Take 8 walking steps into the center, getting into a back basket
Bars 5-end of the music: step R (1), close L with weight (2)

Sequence

Part 1 (4 in and outs)
Part 2
Part 1 (6 in and outs)
Part 2
Part 1 (6 in and outs)
Part 2, except *do* do the final two heel touches.
Part 1 (6 in and outs)
Part 3 (Ending)

Other Videos on the web

Calgary Folk Dance Fridays Video

 Also spelled: Dereboya, Dereboyo

Read More

Maçka Yollari (Turkey)

Maçka Yollari

Turkey

These notes ©2016, Andrew Carnie. This dance was taught in North America, by Ercüment Kiliç. The dance is in the style of the Laz people from the Black Sea. The title translates as "The Roads of Maçka" (a town near the Black Sea)

Music:

• Ercument Kilic Presents #1.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yekyXM7tO34

Meter: 4/4
Formation: Start with hands in W position
Introduction: none

Part 1:

Bar 1: Facing center, cross R over L (1), step on ball of L to L (&) cross R over L (2), step on ball of L to L (&), cross R over L (3), hop on R, and swing arms down to V position (4)
Bar 2: Cross L over in front of R, with body, arms swing forward (1), step R to R, arms swing back (2), Cross L over R (3), hop on L, arms swing up up to W position.
Bars 3-8: repeat bars 1-2, three more times.

Part 2

Bar 1: with hands held forward with straight elbows ("zombie arms"), with loose wrists, Step R (1), L (&), R (2) and L (3), R (&), L (4) in place. Shoulders may shimmy.
Bar 2: With a bent knee step on R into the center to the diagonal L (1), hop on R, kicking L forwards (2), Cross L over R (3), Stamp R forward (4)
Bar 3: Step R (1), L (2), R (3), L (4), backing away from the center, shimmying shoulders.
Bars 4-9: repeat bars 1-3, two more times

Alternate the two steps until the end of the music

Bill and Karen Faust's Fayetteville Video

Lyrics:

(Sorry I don't know the source for these lyrics)
Maçka Yollari

Oy, Maçka yollari taşli (2)
Geliyi sari saçli
Ne oldu sana yavrum (2)
Böyle gözlerin yaşli

Oy, Yükari gel yukarl . (2)
Irmağin gözündeyim
Eller ne derse desun (2)
Ben gine er sözündeyim

Oy, Sis dağinin başlari. (2)
Duman degil kar idi
Sevduğum senun ile (2)
Nee günlerim var idi

Oy, Maçkaliyim Maçkali (2)
Sar bana o kollari
He guz sana yedurdum (2)
Gazanduğum pullari

Other sources

• Kiliç, Ercüment (1985) Maine Folk Dance Camp Syllabus

Also Spelled: Macka, Maska, Machka

Read More

Mendo Barı (Turkey)

Mendo Barı

Turkey

These notes ©2016, Andrew Carnie. Originally taught in the US by Ercüment Kiliç, who learned this dance when he was a member o the Turkish National Ensemble. The dance is from the region of Artvin, in the NE of Turkey, so it shares many similarities with dances from Armenia and the Caucasus.

Music:

• Hindi 004
• Turkic 201
• https://youtu.be/KxnfbqEjHy0
• https://youtu.be/u_jmDCcMng8
• https://youtu.be/K9nhrbPVT80
• https://youtu.be/_vyVd_zduO0

Meter: 4/4
Formation: Open circle. Start W left hand in small of own back and R hand forward in neighbor's R. Face LOD to start. leads R
Introduction: start right away with main melody.

Part 1 (Slow music)

Each step in this part has a bit of a bicycle motion to it bringing the L up and around before stepping on it. 
Bar 1: Leaning forward from the waist and facing LOD, step R (1), L (2), R (3) in LOD. Brush L foot across R instep.
Bar 2: Turning to face center, step L to L, straighten up, and arms come up in front parallel to the ground at shoulder height (1), Step on R next to L (2), Step on L next to R (3), Brush R across in front of L instep (4)
Bars 3-12: repeat bars 1-2 five more times (six in total)

Part 2: Scissors

Drop hands down to V position
Bar 1: Run R (1) L (&), R(2) in LOD. Run L (3), R (&), L (4) in LOD
Bar 2: Jump on both feet (1), hop on R, kicking L forward (2), Touch L toe across in front of R foot (across instep) (3) Hop on R, kicking L forward, and turning towards center (4)
Bar 3: Facing center two sets of Scissor steps: Step on L in place, kicking R forward (1). Step on R foot in place, kicking L forward (&), Step on L in place kicking R forward (2); then Step on R in place kicking L forward (3). Step on L kicking R forward (&), Step on R, kicking L forward (4)
Bar 4: Repeat counts (1&2) of bar 3 (one set of scissors, stepping on L to start). Hop on L touching R across L instep (3),  hop on L kicking R forward (4)
Bars 5-8: repeat bars 1-4 of part 2.
Bars 9-16: repeat bars 1-8 of part 2, except squat on count 1 of bars 10, 14 (the equivalents to bar 2)

repeat entire dance from the beginning

Other notes on the web

• Page 46 of (1984) Stockton Folk Dance Camp

Bill and Karen Faust's Fayetteville Video

Other videos on the web

Also spelled: Bari

Read More

Koroğlu - Kiliç Version (Turkey)

Köroğlu (Kiliç Version)

Turkey

These notes ©2016, Andrew Carnie. originally taught by Ercüment Kiliç in 1985. The dance name refers to a Turkish folk hero, who was the "Son of a Blind Man". The hero's father was blinded by an evil provincial governor and Köroğlu sought to seek revenge on him. Bora Özkök taught a different dance by this name, which is structurally similar to Güzelleme.

Music: Ercüment Kiliç presents #1
Meter: 5/4 counted as QS (12)(345)
Formation: Open circle, start not holding hands
Introduction: none

Part 1

Bar 1: facing center step R to R, snap fingers out to side (Q), Cross L over R, and snap fingers crossed in front (S)
Bar 2: Sway on R to R, snap fingers out to sides (Q), Sway on L to L, snap fingers out to sides (S)
Bars 3-16: repeat bars 1-2, 7 more times.

Part 2

Join hands in W position.
Bar 1: rock forward on R into the center, arms push forward (Q), Rock back on L, arms come back to W position (S)
Bar 2: Step on R to R (Q), Cross L over R (S)
Bars 3-34:  repeat bars 1-2 sixteen more times (17 in total)

repeat dance from the beginning

Other Notes on the web

• http://evansvillefolkdancers.com/resources/Notes/K/Köroglu%20DN.pdf

Bill and Karen Faust's Fayetteville Video

Also spelled: Koroglu, Koroğlu, Köruglu

Read More

İştip (Turkey/Macedonia)

İştip

Turkey/Macedonia

These notes ©2016 Andrew Carnie. Originally taught by Bora Özkök.  The dance is done by the Turkish minority in Macedonia. Bora learned the dance from Yusuf Dener in 1977. The name refers to the town of Štip in Macedonia.

Music: Horon 106; Turkish Folksongs and Dance Cappadoica 85
Meter: 4/4
Formation: Couples in a circle, facing center, M on R. Hands down in V position.
Introduction: none

Part 1

Bar 1: Facing and moving in LOD, Step on R (1), hop on R (2), step on L (3), Hop on L (4)
Bar 2: Run R (1), L (2), R (3), hop on R turning to face RLOD (4)
Bars 3-4: repeat bars 1-2 with opposite footwork and direction
Bar 5: Step on R behind L (1), Hop on R (2), step on L behind R (3), hop on L (4)
Bar 6: repeat bar 5
Bar 7: repeat bar 5
Bar 8: repeat bar 5
Bar 9: repeat bar 5
Bar 10: step on R behind L (1), hop on R (2), step on L in place (3), stamp R next to L (4)

Part 2

Bars 1-4: repeat bars 1-4 of part 1
Bars 5-7: using 6 step hops (start R foot), take both hands and stand R shoulder to R shoulder and turn around each other CW
Bars 8-10: using 5 step hops and a step stamp, stand L shoulder to L shoulder holding two hands and turn around each other CCW, break with W in the lead

Part 3

Bars 1-4: repeat bars 1-4 of part 1
Bars 5-10: repeat the footwork of part 2, except, turn around each other CW with R elbows hooked and the CCW around each other with L elbows hooked.

Sequence

Part 1 two times
Part 2 two times
Part 3 two times
Part 1 once
Part 2 once
Part 3 once
Part 1 once,
Stamp R foot again, and raise hands above your head

Other Notes on the web:

• Page 97 of (1979) Stockton Folk Dance Camp

Bill and Karen Faust's Fayetteville Video

Also spelled: Istip, Iştip

Read More

Otanav - Mayroume - Օդանավ (Armenia)

Otanav (Mayroume)

Օդանավ

Armenia

These notes ©2016, Andrew Carnie. This is a modern choreography by Gegik Mkhitaryan, the director of the Nor Nork dance studio in London. It is apparently based on Mayroume. I learned it at Calgary Folk Dance Fridays. The first part of the music is a song about Arto Tunçboyacin's children, the second part "Otanav" is a song about joining him on an airplane on the way to Armenia.  Mayroume is the second dance in the suite commonly done after Daronee. But to be honest, I don't see the connection between the Mayroume done in Daronee and the dance described here.

Music: Arto Tunçboyacıyan - Ara Dinkjian "Balantin, Seto, Otanav". Album: Tears of Dignity
Meter: 4/4
Formation: Open circle, start facing LOD,. Start with hands held, L hand in small of own back. Leads to the R
Introduction: Start with singing

Part 1

Bar 1: Walk in LOD: R (1,2), L (3,4)

Bar 2: Repeat bar 1

Bar 3: Turn to face center, hands drop to V position. Step R to R (1,2), lift L behind R calf (3,4)

Bar 4: Step  L to L, raising hands to W position (1,2), Lift R in front (3,4)

Bars 5-6: repeat bars 3-4, arms drop to V position on first count of bar 5

Bar 7: Sway on R to R, arms windshield wiper to R (1,2), Sway on L to L, arms windshield wiper to L (3,4)

Bar 8: repeat bar 7

In Calgary, they do an upper body swaying/wave motion raising R shoulder and R elbow when swaying to the R and L shoulder and L elbow when swaying to the L. I didn't teach this in Tucson, instead I substituted a more traditional Armenian windshield wiper movement, where forearms swing to the R and L bent at the elbow. 

repeat this step throughout the "Ba'ntin" and "Seto" verses. When the singing stops, continue doing this step two more times. Then do the transition.

Transition

Bars 1-4: repeat bar 1 of part 1, four times (i.e., 8 walking steps)

These bars are done during the "heavy strumming" part of the music

Part 2

Bar 1: Walk in LOD: R (1,2), L (3,4)

Bar 2-4: Repeat bar 1, three more times

Bar 5: Turn to face center, hands drop to V position. Step R to R (1,2), lift L behind R calf (3,4)

Bar 6: Step  L to L, raising hands to W position (1,2), Lift R in front (3,4)

Bar 7: Sway on R to R, arms windshield wiper to R (1,2), Sway on L to L, arms windshield wiper to L (3,4)

Bar 8: repeat bar 7

This part starts when the "Otanav" verses are sung and is danced all the way to the end. 

Other notes on the web

• http://www.andybettis.com/dance/steps/Otanav.html

Calgary Folk Dance Fridays Video

I don't think the upper body wiggles here can be part of the authentic Mayroume dance, in my own group we've substituted more traditional Armenian windshield wiper arms

Lyrics

These seem to have been transcribed by a Turkish speaker instead of the usual Armenian transliteration. Lyrics are taken from a Youtube video of the song. 

bantin bantin bantinu, inç gllagor bantinu
bantin gerta hağalu, inç gllagor bantinu

bantin bantin bantinu, inç gllagor bantinu
hink hakust meg orı gı pokhes tun bantinu

bantin bantin bantinu, inç gllagor bantinu
mi pokher şad hakust bantin bantin bantinu

bantin bantin bantinu, inç sirun es bantinu
gudam gyankıs kez hamar, inç sirun es bantinu

bantin bantin bantinu, inç gllagor bantinu
bantin gellagor tursı, inç gıllagor bantinu

seto seto ah seto, inç gllagor ah seto
seto knats hağalu ver, inç gllagor ah seto

seto seto ah seto, inç gllagor ah seto
computer game gı hağas ammen orı ah seto

seto canig ah seto, inç gllagor ah seto
şad mi hağar computer game seto canig ah seto

seto seto ah seto, inç sirun es seto
gudam gyankıs kez hamar, inç sirun es seto

seto canig ah seto, inç tsayneren ah seto
nor computer game arir seto canig ah seto

otanav otanav ur gertas otanav
dar mezi otanav, ur gertas otanav

otanav otanav menk guzenk ertal, hayastan otanav otanav otanav
otanavin meçı bantin yev seton ılla, maman yev baban ılla otanav otanav

otanav otanav ur gertas otanav
dar mezi otanav, hayasdan otanav
otanavin meçı deden yev yayan ılla, onnon yev takon ılla otanav otanav

otanav otanav ur gertas otanav
dar mezi otanav, hayasdan otanav
otanavin meçı selin yev aydan ılla, arman yev ardan ılla otanav otanav

otanav otanav ur gertas otanav
dar mezi otanav, hayasdan otanav
otanavin meçı aran yev arton ılla, azkaganners ılla otanav otanav

otanav otanav ur gertas otanav
menk guzenk ertal hayasdan otanav, dar mezi otanav
otanav otanav ur gertas otanav
dar mezi otanav, hayasdan otanav

Also spelled: Mayroumeh, Mayroome

Read More