The Mother of Smiles

The Mother of Smiles is a group performance dance originating in The Gullies of Boarding. The form guides dancers during improvised performances. The dance is accompanied by any composition of The Silkiness of Lace. The dancers perform in a single line. This dance is a refined artform, with five special positions to be mastered. The intense undulating passionate dance is punctuated by flamboyant independent body movement and spirited runs.

• The dance begins with the first theme of the music. The dancers perform to the cida rhythm. There is a basic movement called the fetili. There is a series of eight steps in a triangle pattern with a high arm carriage performed in succession by group members. This fluid sprightly section is punctuated by flamboyant footwork.
• The dance enters a new section with the exposition of the first theme of the music. The dancers perform slower and slower to the cameda rhythm. This sprightly section is punctuated by low leaps.
• The dance enters a new section with the second theme of the music. The dancers perform slowly to the cenopu rhythm. This proud section is punctuated by rightward bends and large clockwise quarter turns.
• The dance enters a new section with the exposition of the second theme of the music. The dancers perform quickly to the ile rhythm. There is a basic movement called the futace. There is a series of seven steps in an intricate pattern with a vivacious facial expression and an aggressive raised left arm. This section is punctuated by movement performed in retrograde by group members.
• The dance enters a new section with the synthesis of the music. The dancers perform faster and faster to the arile rhythm. There is a basic movement called the lete. There is a series of four vigorous steps in a circular pattern with a debauched arm carriage, a counterclockwise eighth quarter turn performed in retrograde by group members and an expressive rightward bend shadowed by group members. This section is sprightly.
• The femeli is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a graceful rightward bend with a vigorous hand gesture, a joyous facial expression and a strong left leg lift.
• The viyo is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a raised left arm with a low body level, a vivacious backward bend and a leg lift.
• The fita is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a refined facial expression.
• The facice is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a high body level.
• The oleme is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a low body level.

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