Cupurlika - Macedonia - Pece Atanasovski

This dance is found throughout the Balkans from Turkey to Serbia. It's the 7/8 equivalent of the 3-measure dance US folk dancers call Čoček or Sa. The dance has been taught by many people in the US including Atanas Kolarovksi, John Filcich, Steve Kotansky, Elsie Dunin, Michael Ginsburg, Pece Atanosovski, Ciga Despotović and Camile Brochu. The name comes from the Turkish name Çupirli, which is the Turkish name for the town of Titov Veles.

[@balkandancer]

I've always like this dance over Cocek as it just has more "feeling" to it as far as I'm concerned. I haven't seen this recording of Pece's version before and can see some differences from what I've been taught. I was taught it from people 2, 3, 4 hand down so I can't say how authentic my teaching was. My understanding was that the best person to learn it from was Atanas's wife but I never had the chance to even watch her dance it. Thanks for a great video.

[@kolokoalition]

The question of authenticity is not that important, because the style and steps differ from village to village. Good thing about folk dancing is variations, do what makes you feel joy the most.