This couple dance is from Vila Nova de Gaia in northwest Portugal. I t has been danced for more than 100 years. It was first taught by Louise and Germain Hebert, Yves Moreau and Marianne Taylor.
Pronunciation: mah-YEOW
Music: 2/4 meter Dances of Portugal, Track #1
Formation: Partners face each other in contra lines.
Presented by Andy Taylor-Blenis in 2011. View pdf here.
Portuguese dance from Nazare.
Pronunciation: now VAHZH ow MAR TOHN-yoh
Music: Mixed 2/4 and 3/4 meter Dances of Portugal, Track #2
Formation: Circle of cpls with two cpls working together. Stand side-by-side with ptr, facing LOD, inside hands joined. W’s free hand on hip; M’s free hand behind the back.
Presented by Andy Taylor-Blenis in 2011. View pdf here.
This dance was first learned in Portugal in 1962 by Madelynne Greene. It was taught to her by the
Grupo Folklorico de Santa Marta de Potuzelo by arrangement with Dr. Sousa-Gomez, director and
founder of the group.
Presented by Andy Taylor-Blenis in 2011. View pdf here.
Vira Cruzada is a Portuguese dance from Santa Marla de Portuzelo, Viana do Castello. This lively dance for two couples was presented in 1963 at Stockton Folk Dance Camp by Madelynne Greene, who learned it from the Grupo Folklorico de Santa Maria de Portuzuelo.
Pronunciation: VEE-rah Croo-ZAH-dah
Music: 6/8 meter (fast waltz) Dances of Portugal, Track #6
Presented by Andy Taylor-Blenis in 2011. View pdf here.
Learned by Marianne Taylor in Nazare, Portugal, in 1972, from Grupo Mar Alto.
Pronunciation: VEE-rah dah NAH-zah-reh
Music: 4/4 meter Dances of Portugal, Track #7
Formation: Double circle, two couples working together: Each M faces his ptr, with the other
W on his right.
Presented by Andy Taylor-Blenis in 2011. View pdf here.
A Portuguese couple dance from Nazare. Marianne Taylor learned this from Madelynne Green, who learned this dance in Portugal.
Pronunciation: VEER-ah doh SEE-tee-oh
Music: 3/4 Dances of Portugal, Track #8
Formation: A circle of couples, in groups of two working together, men with their backs to the
center facing their partners.
Presented by Andy Taylor-Blenis in 2011. View pdf here.
