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krakowiak sądecki

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In the dances of Lachy, an ethnic group living in-between Polish lowlands and highlands, entwined are elements typical for Małopolska (Lesser Poland) krakowiak and highlanders' dances, as well as Hungarian influences. The krakowiak sądecki (also known simply as krakowiok) was performed by men only, had a fast tempo and was accompanied by a folk song. It was physically demanding and required dexterity. Men danced in a row, advancing forward and retreating in steps similar to gallop and the krzesany (the name denotes sparks of the flint and comes from regular, heavy accents in the music), hopping and also squatting when going backwards.
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It's one of a few Polish dances performed by men only. In the old times it was danced by best men at the beginning of the wedding reception or by boys who came to a wedding "na krakowiaka", i.e. without an invitation. The show of their skill was a pass to the party. The dance had a fast tempo and a 2/4 metre. The first part of the name indicates borrowings from and a musical "kinship" with the krakowiak of Małopolska (Lesser Poland); the second links the dance with its place of origin, the region of Nowy Sącz. The dance would begin with one or all dancers singing with an accompanying band. Usually a singer sang half of the verse, the band played to the tune and then the singer would finish a capella. After the first verse was sung, dancers would form a row and alternately approach and retreat from the band in intricate steps, singing the second verse of the song. While dancing, they did not turn and formed a loose group not touching each other. Steps typical for the krakowiak sądecki are: gallop on the whole feet forwards and backwards, high-knee walk, krzesany-like steps, backwards hopping and backwards squatting, with the same leg being extended with each squat. The dancing men kept their hands on their hips or tucked their thumbs behind a wide leather belt. Sometimes each dancer would put his right hand up, holding a hat in it or shaking an empty hand to the rhythm. The sequence of steps and the length of the whole dance depend on the spirit and stamina of the dancers themselves.

 

Dąbrowska, Grażyna W. W kręgu polskich tańców ludowych. Warszawa: Ludowa Spółdzielnia Wydawnicza, 1979.

Michalikowa Lidia; Chrząstkowska, Zofia, Chrząstkowski, Stanisław. Folklor Lachów Sądeckich. Warszawa: Centralny Ośrodek Metodyki Upowszechniania Kultury, 1974.

Wojtas, Michalina. Tańce Lachów:  od Sącza, od Limanowej, od Szczyrzyca. Nowy Sącz: Wydawnictwo Nova Sandec, 2007.