Varsoviana
Formation: Ballroom hold, gentlemen facing wall. 
"Turn around and point" step. 

Gentlemen, starting on left, take a small step along L.O.D. (1st beat), just
beginning to turn anticlockwise, step on right finishing the half-turn
anticlockwise so that back is now to wall (2nd beat), close left foot up beside
right (3rd beat). 1 bar 

Point right foot along L.O.D. and pause (i.e. one half-reverse turn and point).
1 bar 

Gentlemen take a small step on the right foot, just beginning to turn clockwise
(1st beat). (This will mean that although the weight is moved forward on to
this right foot, the foot is actually moved back a little from its extended
position in the point). 

Step on the left foot, continuing the half-turn clockwise (2nd beat), closing
the right up beside the left (3rd beat), and pointing the left foot along the
L.O.D. (1 bar). 2 bars 

Repeat these turns (first in reverse then natural turns), and point to complete
8 turn and point steps. Ladies dance the same steps on opposite feet. 12 bars 

Mazurka step 

Similar to that used in the polkamazurka. 

Gentlemen start left, ladies on right. Gentlemen spring with a rocking motion
(left shoulder dips down to land on the left foot (1st beat). Immediately bring
right foot up with a springy movement to take place of the left foot, left
shoulder rising again (2nd beat). Hop on right foot, raising left foot up
toward L.O.D., not higher than ankle height (the knee is bent but not raised
excessively). (3rd beat) 1 bar 

Repeat above, gentlemen starting left foot again. 1 bar 

Gentlemen make a reverse (anticlockwise) half turn with 3 springy steps, and
point right foot along L.O.D. 2 bars 

The above sequence of 2 mazurka steps, turn and point is repeated, starting on
the other foot, and turning clockwise. 4 bars 

Repeat on both sides again. 8 bars 

Notes: The Varsoviana was one of the most popular couples dances last century.
It was often known (incorrectly) as the Waltz of Vienna or the Vars'O Vienna.
It should always be danced smoothly and gracefully without any wild upward
kicks or plunging movements in the mazurka section. 

Music: Many beautiful Varsoviana tunes have been collected from traditional
dance musicians such as those published in John Meredith's Folksongs of
Australia and Peter Ellis' Collector's Choice, volume 1. These include Babes in
the Wood, Italian Skies, Hand in Hand, Put Your Little Foot In, and Sally
Sloane's Varsoviana. 

Tempo 52-54 bars/min.