Throwing Dances of the Myjava/Trenčín Region

The spinning dances with the throwing of the female partner, locally also called na kúbi, vihadzovaná, vihadzuvaná, sellácka, slovenská, slovenčina, šálená, lubinská, vrťená, hustí, čardáš, are a specific manifestation of the dance folklore within the territory between the towns of Myjava and Trenčín and their vicinity, as well as in the foothill villages on the left bank of the Váh river, south of Nové Mesto nad Váhom. It is an old-style spinning couple dance of improvising nature. The form of the dance involves all features of older couple dances with closed holding and half-side position of the dancers. The structure of the dance consists of several dance elements – the lead singing or dancer’s order before playing music, improvised dancing (cifrovanie), calling a partner, couple spinning, and the lifting of the female partner. The dance does not necessarily include all these parts; however, the throwing of the female partner is an important identification feature of this dance in the Myjava/Trenčín region. The male dancer in closed position throws his partner up so that, after the jump, she kneels or sits on his hip, thigh, or shoulder. The dance has had an entertaining function, but its connection to the fertility and prosperity magic is not excluded. The bearers of this element in the past were participants to traditional dance events with folk music, who have played the most important role in handing down this element until the present. However, by changing the dance repertoire, this dance has become marginalised. Members of folklore ensembles have also been its bearers since the mid-20th century. They have preserved this element thanks to its interpretation at scenic events, as well as spontaneous dancing during educational activities and folk music parties until the present. Spinning dances with the throwing of the female partner are perceived by the local community and beyond as the most significant identification symbol of the dance folklore of the Myjava/Trenčín region.