Nevestinsko

Taught and lead by Kathy Sandstrom, Seattle, WA. 2003
Nevestinsko ("nevesta" means bride) is a women's bridal line dance from western Macedonia, which she learned prior to being married. In the line were other new brides married less than five years, as well as other female family and friends of marriageable age. It is slow and elegant, arms in a slightly forward "W" position above shoulder level, with only the feet and knees moving. The traditional costume was very heavy, usually from the Mijak villages of Galicnik, Lazaropole, Debar and Debarski Drimkol. As the brides were not to look at other men, their gaze was downward. There was a solemnity in the air as the bride would soon leave her mother and family. This dance in 7/8 rhythm (slow-quick-quick) is often done to the song Prsten mi padna, male. It is also sometimes done on village holidays and at religious celebrations.