Vengierka–Lelingeris: two couples and a triangle step

How to play

Participants

Four dancers, arranged as two couples. Divide a larger group into fours.

Space

A level area where each couple can step and turn without colliding with others.

Equipment

Music suitable for this version, or a live musician · A leader who demonstrates the movements and musical section boundaries before starting

Starting formation

Two couples stand one behind another. Join inside hands within each couple: the source’s man uses the right, the woman the left. The front dancers join their free outside hands with the dancers directly behind them on the same side.

1. Section I, bar 1: take two walking steps forwards, starting with the outside foot. In bar 2 trace a triangle with that foot: one – point forwards, and – sweep out to the side, two – bring the foot alongside, and – pause. Metre: 2/4.
2. Bars 3–4: repeat starting on the other foot. In bars 5–6 take four steps forwards from the outside foot. In bars 7–8 make two triangle steps, outside then inside foot.
3. Section II, bars 1–4: repeat the first four bars of section I.
4. Bars 5–6: the front couple release the hands linking them to each other, keeping hold of the dancers behind. Turn over the outside shoulders and take four steps, starting outside feet, around to the back. The rear couple simultaneously take four steps forwards into the front position.
5. The couple now at the back rejoin inside hands. In bars 7–8 both couples make triangle steps, outside then inside foot.
6. Bars 9–16: repeat the first eight bars of section II, with the other couple now moving to the back.

Ending: Once the couples regain their original places, repeat from the beginning. Agree to finish a workshop after a whole cycle.

Documented version: LNKC’s four-person Vengierka–Lelingeris. Keep its hold and sequence distinct from paired dances taught elsewhere under a similar name.