The Silky Lyric

The Silky Lyric is a performance partner dance originating in The Lilac of Praise. The form guides dancers during improvised performances. The dance is accompanied by The Sweet Satin. The dancers perform in several lines. The partners maintain open contact, communicating intent by pulling away briefly. This dance is a refined artform, with two special positions to be mastered. The relaxed dance is punctuated by high leaps and the understated independent body movement of the follower.

• The dance begins with the introduction of the music. The dancers perform very slowly to the oma rhythm. This section is punctuated by weightless counterclockwise eighth turns.
• The dance enters a new section with the passage of the music. The dancers perform slower and slower with the music. This section is punctuated by large moves.
• The dance enters a new section with the coda of the music. The dancers perform very quickly to the lebeyu rhythm. This elaborate section is punctuated by twisting sway.
• The afatha is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be an elaborate arm carriage with a soft leg lift from the follower, a low body level and a proud facial expression.
• The iye is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a strong left leg lift with a low body level and an elaborate arm carriage.

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