Rachenitsa (also known as ruchenitsa) is the name for a family of lively folk dances from western Bulgaria written in 7
8
meter, and also sometimes for the accompanying music. Some dancers count the steps in terms of "quick" and "slow" beats, the pattern being quick-quick-slow (counted as 2-2-3). The name comes from the word rucenik, a piece of cloth which the dancers hold in hand (ruka) and wave in the air during dancing.[1]

Dances in 7
8
similar to rachenitsa can also be found in Republic of Macedonia using other names.

"Chekuryankino horo" steps

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As an example of the form, the "Chekuryankino horo" is danced in a semi-circle in the counties of Lukovit and Pleven. The men join in at the front of the semi-circle and the women at its latter end.

Musical influence

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The music accompanying the rachenitsa has spread beyond its original homeland, rachenitsas having been recorded by such groups as ...

References

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  1. ^ Krumov, Ludmil. "Kopanica Dance History and Background" (PDF). www.ludmilkrumov.com. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
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