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Troika. Presented by: Molly, Holly, Jasmine, Kaley, Tania, and Sarah. Origin. 17 th and 18 th century as a method of fast transportation across Russia Three horses were used to pull the sleigh. This method increased stability and evenly distributed the weight of the sleigh or cart
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Troika Presented by: Molly, Holly, Jasmine, Kaley, Tania, and Sarah
Origin • 17th and 18th century as a method of fast transportation across Russia • Three horses were used to pull the sleigh. This method increased stability and evenly distributed the weight of the sleigh or cart • First sleigh in Russia that could have fewer drivers than horses • Sophisticated mail relay or communication system • Uniquely Russian symbol: design of the sleigh, bells, tassels, centerpiece, chains • Popular in festivals and weddings due to the beauty and grace • Demonstrates characteristics of the Russian people: broad, audacious, elegant • Prevalent in Russian film, art, and literature
History of the Dance • Created to imitate the Russian sleigh called the Troika • Translation: Groupings of three • Traditional Participants: One man and two women or three women • Music: Performed to traditional Russian music, simple and upbeat • Participants: Rhythms and horse-like steps • Dancers imitate the prancing movement done by the horses while pulling the carriage. The outside participants portray the outer horses and move quickly, while the center participant is the stabilizer. The instruments represent the bells and music made by the sleigh
Let’s Troika! • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CiQ8bKU4bw
Instructions • Start with three people standing side by side • Hold hands • Prance for sixteen counts in any direction • The right participant goes in front of the middle person and under the arms of the left and center participants. That person then goes toward their original spot. The center person rotates so all three dancers are facing forward. The process immediately repeats with the left participant. All three of the participants need to be facing in the same direction. • Form a circle with hands on neighbors’ shoulders. Take twelve steps to the left beginning with the left foot. Then, stomp your feet three times. Pause for one count. Repeat the same steps by going in the opposite direction. • Open up to the original position. Prance on! • TROIKA!
Sources • http://www.macalester.edu/russian/miscellany/misc-troika.html • http://dance.lovetoknow.com/Russian_Folk_Dance_Troika • http://russiapedia.rt.com/of-russian-origin/troika/ • http://www.sfballet.org/res/pdfs/studyguides/petrouchka_guide.pdf