- Redowa
A redowa (pronounced|ˈredowɐ) is dance of Czech origin with turning, leaping
waltz steps that was most popular inVictorian era Europe anballroom s.Meter
Like most dances currently described as waltzes, the redowa is danced in 3/4 time, with the couple performing a full rotation every six beats.
Description
A basic redowa step contains one long reaching step and two small leap-steps. The long reaching step can be danced on either the 1 or the 2 of each bar of
music , depending on what feels best with the tune that is playing.Cellarius (1849) [http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/musdi:@field(DOCID+@lit(M03826))] describes a three-part redowa consisting of a pursuit, followed by the style of
waltz commonly described as the redowa, and ending with a particular type ofvalse à deux temps .History
[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/musdibib:@field(NUMBER+@band(musdi+094)) Thomas Hillgrove] states that the redowa was introduced to London ballrooms in 1846. [http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/musdi:@field(DOCID+@lit(M094131))] Like other popular
ballroom dances of the mid-nineteenth century, including thepolka , it was danced in Paris prior to its appearance in London.The lead
Dancers generally start in closed (waltz) position with the outside hands pointing line of direction. (This description is for the case when the "reach" step is on count two.) To begin a redowa, the leader will take a small leap step (count 1) around in front of his/her partner with the left foot so that the leader is backing, then take a long scooping or gliding step (count 2) straight back with the right (pointing right toe, bending the knee of the left leg, keeping the torso upright), followed by another small leap step (count 3) with the left to complete a 180-degree turn clockwise. The second half of the six-count pattern begins with a small leaping step (count 4) alolng the line of dance, so the leader faces forward on the line of dance. The left leg now reaches straight forward (count 5; pointing left toe, bending right knee, etc.), directly under the partner's right leg, which is extended back. A small leap (count 6) onto the right foot completes the pattern, completing the second half (180 degree) turn in preparation for the next six count pattern.
The follow
The follow is the opposite portion of the lead's sequence. The follower's movement on the first three beats are essentially the same movements the leader makes on the second set of three beats, and vice-versa.
ee also
*
Vintage dance
*Historical dance
*Mazurka
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