Bielolitza Kruglolitza

A Russian dance meaning “white face, round face” performed in a circle or line.  It was originally a ballet exercise en pointe but has been adapted so that anyone can do it.  The numbers below represent the number of walking steps that each motion will take. 

32       Introduction.  Stand still, feet together, body turned slightly to LOD

32                    Walk LOD, begin on the right foot.  You will ALWAYS step with the right foot on the odd beats and the left foot on the even beats.  Be careful!  The music speeds up!

16                    Slowly raise arms, still holding hands – use all 16 steps!! – and finish with your left elbow pointing forward and your own left hand on your own right shoulder.

16                    Walk LOD, use the last 4 steps or so to put your left hand on the left shoulder in front of you, get ready to raise and lower your right arm

* * This is the beginning of the turning sequence * *

16                    Slowly raise right arm

16                    Slowly lower right arm; repeat raise and lower (total of 64 steps in this position).  Use the last 4 steps or so to move your arms from this position back to just holding hands in the center

16                    Slowly raise arms – use all 16 steps!! – and finish with your left elbow pointing forward

16                    Walk LOD

8                         Keep holding hands!  Raise your arms back over your head to be in front of you at shoulder height, all hands pointing to the center of the circle

24                    Walk LOD still holding hands at shoulder height, spread out

4                         Walk into the center of the circle, raising arms so you can turn

4                         LEFT!!  Turn to the LEFT 180° so that you’re facing out of the circle, right arm crossed over left. 

Remember: you should be VERY close to the person next to you so that your arms aren’t stretched.  Step backwards into the circle until your arms are comfortable.

24                    Walk LOD

Remember: your body should be facing directly out of the circle, with only your legs facing LOD.

8                         RIGHT!!  Turn to the RIGHT 360° so that you’ve gone past facing in, and back around to facing out of the circle.  You still need to be VERY close to the person next to you, with your body facing directly out of the circle

24                    Walk LOD.  Use the last 4 counts or so to uncross your arms, drop hands, and hold hands facing out

16                    Raise your arms to turn and face the inside of the circle.  You’ll make a ½ turn to the left to do so, turning through LOD.  You’ll now be facing into the circle with your arms crossed right over left.

16                    Walk LOD.  You still need to be close so you’re not stretched.  Step in if you’re stretching.

* * This is the end of the turning sequence * *

16                    Raise your arms and turn ½ around to face out again, and your arms will be uncrossed.

16       Walk LOD. Use the last 4 counts or so to put your left hand on the left shoulder in front of you.

* * Repeat the WHOLE turning sequence * *

8                         Walk LOD

4             Slowly drop hands so you’re holding hands facing in

4        Walk LOD, bow in on the very last count.