Aunty Sarah's Hambo Helper

Hambo is a Swedish couple dance in 3/4 time. The music is recognizable for strong first and third beats of each measure, lending the dance its characteristic "up-down" movement or "svikt".

Hambo Quick Reference

Measure

Step

Man

Woman

1 & 2

Dal steps in open position

Beat 1 Step/bend
Beat 2 rise up/ lift foot
Beat 3 come back to level

Step Left, lift right
Step right, lift left

Step right, lift left
Step Left, lift right

3

"Running"steps in open position
Not really running - just
Beat 1 walk
Beat 2 walk
Beat 3 walk

left
right
left

right
left
right

4

1 Hambo step to closed
position Note: This hambo step doesn't make a complete turn

right
left
both

left
both
right

5 - 7

3 full turning hambo steps
making a complete clockwise turn in each measure

right
left            (X3)
both

left
both            (X3)
right

8

Running steps in open position
1 walk
2 walk
3 walk

right
left
right

left
right
left

This is meant as an easy reference for folks who have taken our workshop and is not a substitute for learning from skilled partners.

For a little Hambo Photo Fun check out the animated gifs.

For more detailed information about hambo visit the following websites:

Folk Dance Descriptions www.phantomranch.net/folkdanc/folknote.htm

John Gustin's Hambo Page www.freewheelers.org/1DancingFool/hambo.htm

Scandia D.C. www.scandiadc.org

Sapphire Swan Dance Directory www.sapphireswan.com/dance

Nordic Fiddles and Feet Dance Camp www.nordicfiddlesandfeet.org

Recordings with hambos:

Andrea Hoag Hambo in the Barn (Scandinavian dance music)

The Pioneer Trio: Old Time Scandinavian Dance Music

Footloose Steppin' Out - Music for Couple Dancing

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