Oriental Mazurka (The Original Tune) Thompson Specified 138 Bpm

Originated by Tom Almond, circa 1905

Description by Richard Powers

This mazurka sequence dance is undated but two other sequence dances by Tom Almond are dated 1902 and 1908. It was described by Sidney Thompson, shown at the right, in his Old Time Dance Book, 1956.

Music: Oriental Mazurka (the original tune) Thompson specified 138 bpm.

Description is for men. Women step opposite.

Oriental Mazurka Begin in Open Hold, facing LOD as shown above.

Part 1 bars 1 Waltz-Close Step: Forward L, diagonal side R swinging the held hands forward, close L to R. 1 Mazurka Step keeping hands forward: slide R, cut L under R, bring R back closed above L ankle, without weight, with a slight bounce. 1 Waltz-Close Step traveling LOD: forward R, side L facing partner, close R to L with weight. 1 Side-Close: Partners join both hands open inclining to RLOD, side L, close R to L without weight, hold on count 3.

Part 2

Repeat in the opposite direction, on opposite feet. Close into Waltz Position at the end.

Part 3

1 Mazurka Step in Closed Promenade Position, toward LOD, M beginning L foot. 2 Rotary Waltz toward LOD, rotating CW, one full turn. 1 Side-Close: side L, close R to L, transfer weight to R on count 3.

Part 4

4 Rotary Waltz CW toward LOD, opening out at the end to original starting position.

Richard Powers

Part 4 2 Rotary Waltz CW toward LOD. 1 Outside Turn: M stays in place raising his L arm and woman waltzes under the arch of his arm. 1 Woman completes the second half of her solo waltz progressing to the man ahead of her.