Lapin Joiku
Lapin Joiku
Finland
Finland
Background information.
Background information.
This is a dance from the Sami people living in the North of Finland, Norway and Sweden. They are a nomadic people who follow their reindeer herds. They have their own language and traditions.
This is a dance from the Sami people living in the North of Finland, Norway and Sweden. They are a nomadic people who follow their reindeer herds. They have their own language and traditions.
This dance originates from a “song-play” – a Joiku.
This dance originates from a “song-play” – a Joiku.
The style is “in the ground”, arms are moving. The dancers would be outdoors in the snow and wearing their heavy fur coats and boots.
The style is “in the ground”, arms are moving. The dancers would be outdoors in the snow and wearing their heavy fur coats and boots.
When the music starts you can hear the bells of the reindeer in the background.
When the music starts you can hear the bells of the reindeer in the background.
Time signature – comment by Lois.
Time signature – comment by Lois.
The time signature for this dance is given as 6/8 which is similar to “ Ali Pasha” - 5/8 - the latter is a much faster dance than Lapin Joiku
The time signature for this dance is given as 6/8 which is similar to “ Ali Pasha” - 5/8 - the latter is a much faster dance than Lapin Joiku
The actual counting of the steps for this dance is very slow.
The actual counting of the steps for this dance is very slow.
It is slower than walking pace as you can hear when you listen to the start of the music.
It is slower than walking pace as you can hear when you listen to the start of the music.
However, there is an added difference to our usual counting pattern: where we would normally count an even spaced 1. 2. 3. 4.
However, there is an added difference to our usual counting pattern: where we would normally count an even spaced 1. 2. 3. 4.
the count here is 1. and 2. 3. and 4.
the count here is 1. and 2. 3. and 4.
(This is described as “syncopation” by dance teachers : ” improvised or rehearsed execution of step patterns that have more rhythmical nuances than standard step patterns.) Ref. “Time signatures for music” - on the internet.)
(This is described as “syncopation” by dance teachers : ” improvised or rehearsed execution of step patterns that have more rhythmical nuances than standard step patterns.) Ref. “Time signatures for music” - on the internet.)
Karin teaching new dance Lapin Joiku
Karin teaching new dance Lapin Joiku