Arnautsko Horo

History

A dance from the Pirin area of Bulgaria. Arnaut is a term often used to mean of Albanian origin. I learned this dance from Yves Moreau in 2011.

Rhythm

The music is in 4/4, danced as slow-quick-quick (2-1-1), then slow-slow (2-2), then quick-quick-slow (1-1-2).

Steps

Start in a line in a W hold, facing right.

Step forward with the right (slow), rock back onto the left (quick), then step forward with the right (slow).
Take three steps forward, starting with the left, in slow-quick-quick rhythm.
Turning to face centre step to the side with the right (slow), step forward with the left (quick), then rock back onto the right (quick).
With a little bounce on the right do a push/kick movement with the left foot, bringing it out to the side and round to behind you (slow), then step back on it (slow).
Point the right foot to the side and slightly forward (slow), then point it slightly across in front (slow).
Step diagonally behind to the right with the right foot (quick), close with the left (quick), then cross in front with the right (slow). Repeat to the left with opposite feet.

There is an instrumental introduction, the dance starts with the singing.

Music

Arnautsko Horo from a workshop CD produced by Yves Moreau.

Dance description by Andy Bettis - July 2011