Čerešna – Macedonia [Rubi Vučeta*]
Čerešna is very easy Macedonian folk dance that was once done at weddings. It it choreographed to the old folk song by the same name, “Čerešna se od koren korneše.” However, it may be best not to translate the lyrics from the old days. As was the case in those bad old days for which some still long: the woman shall obey! Modern versions have pepped up the tune and sex appeal, but not so much the lyrics.
| Dance Name: | Čerešna |
| Country of Origin: | Macedonia |
| Dance Type: | Circle/Chain/Line: non-partner |
| Dance Category: | Oldies RIFD |
| Folk Status: | Historic Folk Dance |
| Skill Level: | Beginning |
| Energy Intensity: | Gentle |
| Original Script: | Черешна |
| Pronunciation: | CHEH-resh-nah |
| Translation: | cherry [tree] |
| Aliases: | Čeresna, Ceresna, Chereshna |
| Presented in USA: | Rubi Vučeta* |
| Year: | 1960s? |
| Song: | Čerešna se od koren korneše |
| Time Signature: | 2/4 |
| Dancer Formation: | Open Circle |
| Hand Hold: | W-position |
| Leads to: | R w/ R |
| Date Taught: | 10/10/2023 |
| Teacher: | David |
| Published: | October 5, 2023 |
| Updated: | May 15, 2024 |
From Dick Oakes
Rickey Holden originally described this dance for Folkraft Records. It is a fourteen count, single-figure oro. Čerešna is a Macedonian wedding dance. The song tells about a cherry tree that is pulled from its roots (“the daughter is separated from her mother”). The daughter, who asks her mother’s forgiveness, is separated from her, and will now obey her in-laws.
Teaching & Dancing Examples (I can only find one)
Lyrics
MIT Folk Dance Club Songbook/ Čerešna se od koren korneše Moma se od majka deleše. / / Proštevaj, majko, proševaj, Ako sum ti nešto zgrešila. / / Do sega sum tebe slušala Od sega ḱ slušam svekrva. / /Od sega ḱe slušam svekrva Deveri, dzolvi, jatrvi. /The cherry tree is pulled from its roots, The daughter is separated from her mother. Forgive me, Mother, forgive me, If I've done you any wrong. Until now I've obeyed you, From now on I'll obey my mother-in-law. From now on I'll obey my mother-in-law, Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law.