Many ethnographers and folklore specialists claim that couple dances originated in Scandinavia. Danţ din Groşi seems to be a perfect example in support of this theory. The dance’s two parts are clearly reminiscent of typical elements in Nordic dances, namely the promenade and the pivot turns. This dance from Maramureş, however, is distinct in that it is led by a particular couple who signals when to change figures and decides how long the dance
will last. The dancers liven up the dance by shouting (strigaturi) and whistling (fluierături), creating a festive, joyful atmosphere. Maramureş, in North-western Romania, is a focus of great interest to folklorists since traditions have survived in this region and continue to be preserved with utmost authenticity. Groşi is a commune located five kilometers southeast of Baia Mare, the capital of Maramureş. It is made up of three villages: Groşi, Ocoliş and Satu Nou De Jos. The locality of Groşi was certified in 1411, but its first inhabitants were there long before that. Legend has it that centuries ago, the area was covered by oak forests, the impressive trees having thick trunks. The forests served to shelter the inhabitants and hide them from barbarians. A 300-year-old oak tree stands at the entrance of the village of Groşi in honor of the ancient forests. A law to protect the tree is in force.
Presented by Sonia Dion & Cristian Florescu in 2008. View pdf here.
