ZENSKO KRSTENO Macedonia (Skopje Area) Zensko 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. Pronounced: ZHEN-sko KUR-ste-no 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: CUKCE: ("CHOOK-chay") 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 cukce 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 (CUKCE) on R 2 Lift (CUKCE) 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 (CUKCE) on L 2 Lift (CUKCE) 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 (CUKCE) 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