Romanian Folk Dances for the Violin

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Romanian Folk Dances for the Violin is a great resource for those looking to add a little bit of flavor to their music. These easy to follow, step-by-step instructions will have you playing along in no time!

The Basic Steps of Romanian Folk Dances

Romanian folk dances are some of the most beautiful dances in the world. The steps are relatively simple and easy to follow, making them perfect for beginners. Romanian folk dances are also great for intermediate and advanced dancers because they are so versatile. You can add your own spin to the steps and make them your own.

The Basic Step of the Romanian Folk Dance

The basic step of the Romanian folk dance is a very simple one, consisting of nothing more than a step to the side and a brush of the foot. This step can be done with either the left or right foot, and is usually repeated several times in succession. The step can be done in place, or it can be done traveling around the room. To add a bit of variation, sometimes the dancers will do a turn as they step to the side.

The Second Step of the Romanian Folk Dance

Now that you know the first step of the Romanian Folk Dance, it is time to learn the second. This step is called the ‘Pasul Catratiu’. To do this dance move, you will need to start with your feet together and your weight on your left foot. Then, transfer your weight to your right foot and lift your left leg up so that your left thigh is parallel to the floor.After that, you will need to hop on your right foot while keeping your left thigh parallel to the floor. Finally, return to the starting position with your feet together and your weight on your left foot.

The Third Step of the Romanian Folk Dance

The third step of the Romanian folk dance is called the ‘sarabanda’. This step is similar to the second step, but with a few differences. The sarabanda is danced with the feet together, and the dancer must take three steps for each beat of music. The first step is taken with the left foot, followed by the right foot, and then the left foot again. The sarabanda can be danced in a circle or in a line.

The Three Main Types of Romanian Folk Dances

Romanian folk dances are danced by couples and usually have three beats per measure. They are usually in 2/4 or 6/8 time. There are three main types of Romanian folk dances: the doina, the hora, and the sârba.

The Hora

The hora is the best-known of all Romanian Folk Dances and is often the first one taught to children. It is danced in a circle, with the dancers holding hands. There are many different variations of the hora, depending on the region of Romania where it is danced. The basic steps are simple, and even young children can learn to dance it.

The Sârba

The Sârba is the most popular of Romanian folk dances and is known throughout the country. It is a lively dance in 2/4 or 4/4 time that is usually performed by couples. The steps vary from region to region, but the basic sârba step consists of two quick hops on the same foot followed by a slow step to the side.

The sârba originated in the southern region of Romania known as Oltenia. In Oltenian villages, the men would dance the sârba while the women danced a slower version of the same dance. The couples would then switch places and dance together for a while before switching back again.

There are many variations of the sârba, but all of them are characterized by their quick, lively tempo and their simple, elegant steps.

The Brâul

The Brâul is a Romanian folk dance that is usually performed by men. The dancers stand in a circle, holding hands and moving their feet in time to the music. The movements are simple and there is no lifting or spinning.

The Hora is another popular Romanian folk dance. It is usually performed by couples and involves holding hands and spinning in a circle. The movements are relatively simple and the dance is suitable for all ages.

The Sârba is a Romanian folk dance that is similar to the Hora, but slightly more difficult. It is often performed by couples or small groups of people and involves more complicated movements than the Hora.

Playing Romanian Folk Dances on the Violin

Romanian folk dances are some of the most beautiful and enchanting dances in the world. The violin is the perfect instrument to capture the spirit of these dances. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Romanian folk dances and how to play them on the violin.

Playing the Hora on the Violin

The Hora is a Romanian folk dance and is one of the best-known dances from that country. It is usually performed by couples dancing in a circle, holding hands. The music is fast-paced and often played on the violin. Many of the steps are similar to those of other traditional dances, such as the waltz or polka.

Playing the Sârba on the Violin

The Sârba is one of the most popular Romanian folk dances and it is often played on the violin. This dance is in 2/4 time and is quite fast-paced, so it can be a challenge to play on the violin. However, with practice, you will be able to play this dance beautifully.

There are many different ways to play the Sârba on the violin. You can use a variety of different bowing techniques, including up-bows, down-bows, and even tremolo. You can also use different ornamentation techniques to make your playing more interesting. The most important thing is to keep the rhythm going while you are playing.

If you are interested in learning how to play the Sârba on the violin, there are many resources available online and in libraries. You can find online tutorials, instructional videos, and even sheet music for this popular Romanian folk dance. With a little practice, you will be able to play this dance beautifully on the violin.

Playing the Brâul on the Violin

The Brâul is a Romanian folk dance that is traditionally played on the violin. The Brâul can be traced back to the 16th century, and it is one of the most popular folk dances in Romania.

The Brâul is danced by couples, and it features a repeating eight-count step. The dance is usually performed in a small group, and it can be adapted for larger groups as well.

The music for the Brâul is relatively simple, and it often features a repeating melody. The melody is typically played on the first and third beats of each measure, and the second and fourth beats are typically left open for improvisation.

If you are playing the Brâul on the violin, you will need to use a bow. The bow should be held in the right hand, and the left hand should be used to hold the violin in place. The right hand should be positioned close to the bridge of the violin, and the bow should be drawn across the strings in a smooth, even motion.

The Brâul can be played at different speeds, but it is typically played at a moderate tempo. You can increase or decrease the tempo depending on your preferences, but you should always try to stay within the range of 60-80 beats per minute.

When playing the Brâul on the violin, you should aim for a clear tone that resonates well. You will need to use a good amount of bow pressure to produce a clear sound, but you should avoid using too much pressure as this can result in a harsh or clipping sound.

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