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fafur

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The fafur is a variety of the polka trampólka, and a popular dance of the area of Kurpie (the north part of the Mazovia region). It is danced most often by seniors during village feasts, games and weddings. The fafur is danced in pairs, in a round or closed position, or alternatively in the position called "dyszlowy" (similarly to a ballroom dance). Dancers move along the circle, against to the sun, with the sun, whirling to the right or to the left, sometimes turning in the stationary position. Changes in the direction of whirling are accentuated with a triple stomp.
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The dance derived its name from the word "fafurka", a dialectal name of a colourful ribbon tied into a bow, which decorated characteristic high “forehead” hats worn by women from the area of Kurpie. Sometimes the ribbon was tied to the collar of the man's shirt. The Fafur is a light-hearted dance (as indicated by the ribbon flying up in the wind), performed in moderate or fast tempos (2/4 metre). Steps of the fafur are quite simple and similar to th trampólka (a type of the polka from Kurpie). The Fafur is danced in pairs, in a round or closed position, or alternatively in the position called "dyszlowy" (similarly to a ballroom dance). Pairs move along the circle, in four directions, sometimes turning in the stationary position. Bows and high jumps are not present in the fafur, as in other dances from the area of Kurpie. It would be hard for a dancer to keep the “forehead” hat on the head with lively movements. Dance steps are light and they are characterized by soft landing on the front part of one feet after light jump, and the energetic raising of the other leg, bent in the knee. A distinct accent takes place (triple stomp with two legs) when straightening the leg, with simultaneous light bending of the knees of both legs. The direction and the number of turns depend on dancers, their imagination and strength. Often one of the dancers (most often the best performer in the community) calls the change of the direction of movement and whirling, each time accentuated by triple stamp.

 

Dąbrowska, Grażyna W. Tańce Kurpiów Puszczy Zielonej [Dances of the Kurpiowska Forest]. Warsaw: CPARA, 1967.

Dąbrowska, Grażyna W. Taniec ludowy na Mazowszu [Folk Dance in the Mazovia Region]. Cracow: PWM, 1980.

Dąbrowska, Grażyna W. Tańcujże dobrze [Dance Fine, Will You?]. Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne, 1991.