How to Peform the Russian Folk Dance Troika

Troika is the Russian word for "third," or "threesome." Its most common meaning was actually in reference to a commission of three judges used in Stalinist Russia. A traditional Russian folk dance however is also named Troika, after the graceful prancing of three horses as they pull along a sleigh. This Russian folk dance is a staple of Russian dancing culture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

First Section (Sixteen Counts)

1. Break into groups of three. All of the dancers form a circle, with the groups of three positioned as if they were spokes in a wheel. Groups face counterclockwise, and join hands.
2. While holding hands, run forward for four steps on a right diagonal (right, left, right, left).
3. Run four steps forward on a left diagonal (right, left, right, left).
4. Run forward for eight counts. That completes the first section, for a total of sixteen counts.

Second Section (Sixteen Counts)

5. This section lasts for eight counts. Continue to hold hands. For each group, the dancers in the center and on the left form an arch with their arms. The person on the right runs in front of the center person and under the arch, then behind the center person and back to their original spot. The person in the center turns in place, to the left, under the arch. Everyone now faces forward.
6. This sequence takes eight counts, as well. The dancer on the left repeats the previous step, running through the arch formed by the dancer in the center and on the right.
7. The center dancer turns to the right, following the person from the left under the arch.

Third Section (Thirty-Two Counts)

8. Groups of three join hands, again, to reform their circle. Run twelve steps clockwise to the left, beginning with the left foot. After twelve steps, the dancers stamp their feet three times (left, right, left). Pause for one count.
9. Repeat, this time running counterclockwise for twelve, starting with the right foot. Stamp three times (right, left, right). Pause for one count.
10. All groups of three return to the original circle (the spokes-in-a-wheel formation). The center dancer moves to the group in front of them, and the dance starts all over again.