(SUN-ner-hoe-ning)
Skandia CD, track 32
| Credible English Title | Sønderho Dance. |
| Heritage | Danish. |
| U.S. Source | As learned from Harold Kristensen and as written in Vejledning for Ledere i Folkedans by S. V. Clemmensen, published by Foreningen til Folkedansens Fremme. |
| Category | Individual couple dance. |
| Motivation and application | Recreational, non-perfomance-oriented. |
| Type | Duple-meter (2/4). |
| Function | Individual couple dance. |
| Character and form | Lilting and dignified. |
| Footwork | Parallel, opposite. |
| Specific steps | Walking, Sønderho turn. |
| Dance holds | Open Sønderho hold: W's L arm extends straight forward from her elbow, M holds W's L upper hand near her wrist with his R hand; free hands are usually loose at the sides. Closed Sønderho hold described in text for Sønderho turn, below. |
| Formation | Partners in double circle facing LOD (CCW), M on inside. |
| MEASURES | ACTION |
1 - 8 |
A. Promenade: In open Sønderho hold, described above, both beginning L, walk 16 steps in LOD. On the last 4 measures, the M can send the W around him CCW, taking a wrist hold when she is back in place again. |
9 - 16 |
B. Sønderho turn - 5 complete turns (hold final count): On count 1, the M steps across with L to begin the Sønderho step. While still holding the W's wrist as in the promenade, he brings the W's L hand around behind her and grasps her L fingers with his L hand while she brings her R hand under M's L arm, placing her R hand firmly on his L shoulder blade. Both lean slightly away from the other, aiding in achieving a smooth turn. Man's step:
Each Sønderho turn step should begin facing in the same direction. In other words, each step makes a complete turn. Cue: L, Both, R. Woman's step:
While turn is in motion, placing the R parallel to L (on "Both") becomes a continuation and completion of each rotation, such that W is always facing LOD (or nearly LOD) as she begins each turn with Both. Cue: Both, R, L. |
Note: Since this is a 3-count step danced to 2/4 rhythm, dancers dance over the measures such that in 8 measures, 5 full turns are completed (with one "extra" count of music left over). For the M, the last (extra) count is simply held (on his R foot) by the M so he may begin the promenade on his L. Alternatively, the M could use the final (extra) count to add 2 quick steps in place (LR), leaving his L foot free to begin the promenade. The effect of this M's alternative transition out of turning into promenade is that it feels as though the last turning step is: L, both, RLR (1, 2, 3&4).
W may use the last (extra) count to take a single step onto R, so that she may begin the promenade on her L (parallel footwork in promenade). Alternatively, she could promenade beginning with her R (opposite footwork from M's L-foot lead), and in the turn as she completes her last turning step (both, R, L) she uses the final (extra) count to add 2 quick steps in place (RL), so that she may begin the promenade on her R foot again (opposite footwork). The effect of this W's alternative transition out of turning into promenade is that it feels as though the last turning step is: both, R, LRL (1, 2, 3&4).
Sønderhoning comes from a small island called Fanø off the west coast of Denmark. Historically, the main occupation of the natives was fishing and sea trading. The dance suggests a ship's rising and falling movement across the sea.
| Copyright © 1997 Skandia Music Foundation | Sønderhoning |
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