Also referred to as “Povela-e-Yova” is a Southeast European dance style known as Yove Male Mome. This “folk” dance possessing a fast rhythm is said to have originated from Bulgaria. Apparently, this dance was first developed in the Sopluk region in Bulgaria. In addition, this dance is extremely popular among international folk dancers, and was first introduced outside Bulgaria in Stockton California in the United States of America in the year 1966, by a folk dance choreographer named Dennis Boxell.
a. History/origin of the Yove Male Mome:
Apart from the fact that this dance style was first developed in the Sopluk region in Bulgaria, there exists not much information regarding the history/origin of this dance form.
b. Costumes used in the Yove Male Mome:
The costumes generally worn are long tunic tops and trousers by the male performers while, the female attire will usually include full skirts, colourful scarves worn around the neck, and belted mid calf length dresses.
c. Music involved in the Yove Male Mome:
The musical instrument mainly used in this dance style is the traditional Bulgarian bagpipe known as “Gaida”. In addition, the music is accompanied by song whose lyrics are as follows:
Jove, malaj mome, lele,
Po poleka oro voidi,
Jove, malaj mome, lele,
Po poleka oro voidi.
Sama si sakala, lele,
Na oro da ides,
Na oro da ides, lele,
Momce da izberes.
Jove, malaj mome, lele,
Sto mi se naduvas,
Jove, malaj mome, lele,
Sto mi se naduvas.
Sto mi se naduvas, lele,
Ta ne mi sboruvas?
Sto mi se naduvas, lele,
Ta ne mi sboruvas?
Jove, malaj mome, lele,
Sama si sakala,
Jove, malaj mome, lele,
Sama si sakala.
Sofijski momceta, lele,
S rusi mustaceta,
Sofijski momceta, lele,
S vezani menteta.
TRANSLATED LYRICS:
Oh, young Jova,
Lead the oro-dance more gently,
You yourself wished
To come to the dance,
To choose a young lad.
Oh, young Jova,
Why are you so haughty?
Why don’t you speak to me?
Oh, young Jova,
You yourself preferred
The lads from Sofia
With their fair mustaches,
With their embroidered jackets.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Yove Male Mome:
In terms of technique, the performers initially arrange themselves in a curved line or an open circle. Furthermore, a performer then dances by holding a belt belonging to his/her partner. In addition, if belts are unavailable then the performers hold hands while dancing. As for training centers/schools, there are none available since this “folk” dance is mainly performed in Bulgaria.