The Bitter-Orange of Bambara-Groundnuts

The Bitter-orange of Bambara-groundnuts is a performance partner dance for a single pair originating in The Indispensable Tubes. The rules of the form are applied by choreographers to produce individual dances which can be performed. The dance is accompanied by any composition of The Blooming Bayberry. The dancers perform in a double circle, moving very quickly with the music. This dance is a refined artform, with five special positions to be mastered. The calm dance is punctuated by strong arm carriage.

• The dance begins with the passage of the music. The dancers perform to the sek rhythm. The partners maintain open contact, communicating intent by pulling away. There is a basic movement called the ngogdok. There is a series of two steps in a circular pattern with a proud facial expression, a counterclockwise eighth half turn and a raised arm. This section is punctuated by the understated body level changes of the follower.
• The dance enters a new section with the bridge-passage of the music. The dancers perform to the rekom rhythm. The partners rarely make contact, communicating intent constantly through spoken cues. There is a basic movement called the agosh. There is a series of eight delicate steps in a square pattern with independent body movement from the follower, a raised left arm from the follower and a high body level from the lead.
• The dance enters a new section with the finale of the music. The partners rarely make contact, communicating intent through visual cues. This section is punctuated by the passive clockwise quarter turns of the follower, the strong spins of the lead and straight walks.
• The egek is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a high body level from the lead with a leg lift from the lead and a forward bend from the lead.
• The goruk is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be an undulating forward bend.
• The adokegudim is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be an undulating hand gesture.
• The aros is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a twisting raised right arm from the follower with a soft backward bend and a high body level.
• The zolibosh is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a raised right arm with a low body level, a backward bend and a partially realized leg lift.

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