Alphabetical index

Click for Formation index


Formation index

Becket Formation

Double Longways Set

Double Sicilian Circle

Duple Minor longways

Eight–couple Double square Set

Eight–couple Longways Set

Five–couple Longways Set

Five–couple special Set

Four–couple Longways Set

Four–couple Square Set

Longways Progressive Threesome

Multiple Progressive Square

Multiple three–couple Sets

Quadruple Minor Longways

Round Sets

Set of four trios

Set of three trios

Set of two trios

Sicilian Circle

Sicilian Circle of trios

Sicilian Circle with extra couples

Six–couple Longways Set

Three–couple Set

Triple Minor longways

Two–couple Set

Other


Ah! Belinda

Tune: ‘Ach Belinde’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Six couple Longways Set – Reel
4th, 5th + 6th couples improper
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 Top three couples lead partner up and fall back, while bottom three couples lead down and fall back;
  5 – 8 Top three couples single cast down, going well out to sides, while the bottom three couples single cast up, going well out; all meet and lead in towards the centre (M1 + W6, M2 + W5, M3 + W4, etc.).
The lines are now across the room.
A2 1 – 8 The new ends followed by nearest two middle couples lead out to the sides and fall back and cast out to meet original partner, and lead back to original place.
B1 1 – 4 Top three couples circle left half way and change places with partner, passing right shoulder, while the bottom three couples do the same;
  5 – 8 1st couple facing 6th couple, 2nd facing 3rd and 4th couple facing 5th, all three changes of a circular hey for twelve, passing right shoulder, left shoulder and right shoulder.
B2 1 – 8 Repeat B1 to original places, 1st and 6th couples, 3rd and 5th couples and 4th and 2nd couples facing to start the circular hey.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners side right shoulder;
  5 – 8 Single cast and lead opposites in, as in 1st Figure A1.
A2 1 – 4 New partners side left shoulder;
5 – 8 Single cast and lead original partner in, as in 1st Figure A2.
B1 1 – 4 Top three couples half Morris hey from the centre (second couple go down to start), while the bottom three couples do the same, (5th couple come up to start);
  5 – 8 1st, 3rd, 4th and 6th couples turning outwards away from partner, circle left in fours (1st and 6th couples, 2nd and 3rd couples, 4th and 5th couples).
B2 1 – 8 Continue Morris Hey to original places (2nd couple still following 3rd couple, 5th couple still following 4th couple), then circle left in fours (1st and 2nd couples, 3rd and 4th couples and 5th and 6th couples).
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners right hand turn (or arm right);
  5 – 8 Single cast and lead opposites in, as in 1st Figure A1.
A2 1 – 4 New partners left hand turn (or arm left);
  5 – 8 Single cast and lead original partner in, as in 1st Figure A2.
B1 1 – 4 In the middle, neighbours turn by the right hand moving out to the side (M3 + W4, M4 + W3), while 2nd and 5th couples right hand star in the centre and 1st and 6th couples turn partner by the right hand moving in towards the centre;
  5 – 8 The first three Men, the first three Women, the bottom three Men and the bottom three Women three–hand left hand stars in the four corners of the set.
B2 1 – 8 The top three Men dance anticlockwise down the outside to the bottom, returning to original places up the middle, while bottom three Men do the same up the outside, returning down the middle. The lines of Men should pass each other right shoulder. At the same time, the top three Women (2nd Woman must cut in in front of 3rd Woman), dance anticlockwise down the middle (passing the other Women right shoulder) and up to original places outside their own line, while the bottom three Women (5th Woman must cut in in front of 4th Woman) do the same up the middle and down the outside. All honour partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Albert Memorial Square

Tune: The Albert Memorial Square © Pat Shaw, 1971
Recording: All Alive – Two’s Company (tape)
Formation: Four–couple Square Set – Reel
A1 1 – 8 The head couples (1st and 3rd couples) California twirl, lead out, California twirl and lead back, while side couples (2nd and 4th couples) lead in, California twirl, lead back and California twirl.
A2 1 – 8 All four ladies’ chain to the opposite Man and all four ladies’ chain back to partner.
B1 1 – 8 Double star, with Women right hands across, taking their partner with them with inside hands joined. Finish by Men turning Women anticlockwise under joined hands to place.
B2 1 – 8 All back to back right shoulder with partner and swing corner (pivot step) to Man’s original place.

Repeat the whole figure with new partner and then twice more reversing head and side roles in A1.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


All the Young Folk

Tune: ‘Al de jonge luijde’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording Pat Shaw and More – Triple Time
Formation: Round set for six couples – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 6 With hands joined, all go forward to the centre and back; set left and right to partner.
A2 1 – 6 As in A1, but set right and left to corner.
B1 1 – 2 Men move to centre and take hands in a circle, while the Women fall back;
3 – 8 Men circle left (double step), while the Women set right and left, turn single right and left;
9 – 10 Men fall back to original places, while the Women move forward to original places.
B2 1 – 10 Women move to centre and take hands in a circle, circle right and fall back to original places, while the Men fall back, set left and right, turn single left and right and move forward to original places.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 6 Partners side right shoulder and set left and right.
A2 1 – 6 Corners side left shoulder and set right and left.
All finish facing centre.
B1 1 – 2 Odd numbered couples lead partner to the centre and face partner, while even numbered couples fall back;
3 – 10 Odd numbered couples passing partner right shoulder, whole circular hey and fall back to original places, while even numbered couples set right and left to partner turn partner with both hands and lead forward to original places.
B2 1 – 10 Odd numbered couples do as the even numbered couples did in A1 and vice versa.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 6 Partners right hand turn (or arm right) and set left and right.
A2 1 – 6 Corners left hand turn (or arm left) and set right and left.
B1 1 – 4 Odd numbered couples with their immediate neighbours take hands to form lines forming a triangle (1st couple with M2 + W6, 3rd couple with M4 + W2, 5th couple with M6 + W4); lines fall back and come forward;
5 – 10 All gypsy clockwise (right shoulder) round corner and anticlockwise (left shoulder) round partner.
B2 1 – 4 Even numbered couples with their immediate neighbours make a triangle, fall back and come forward;
  5 – 10 All gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) round corner and clockwise (right shoulder) round partner. Honour partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Amazed Geneticist or Ramsay’s Reeling

Tune: The Amazed Geneticist © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Not Quite Shaw – West Kirby Folk Dance Band
Formation: Four–couple longways set – Reel
3rd and 4th couples improper
A1 1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples do a Double Figure of 8 as do 3rd and 4th couples at the same time; end couples, i.e. 1st and 4th, start by crossing and middles i.e. 2nd and 3rd couples, start by casting up or down to the ends. (See B1 of Trumpet Vine for a description of Double Figure 8.)
A2 1 – 8 All continue smoothly into Double Figures of 8 on the two sides of the dance with the end couples again crossing, but crossing and working with the person at the other end of their own line instead of with partner. The middles start by continuing up or down outside the ends and coming round to dance their Figure of 8 with their original neighbour instead of their partner, thus keeping in their own line.
B1 1 – 2 1st and 4th couples meet in the middle while 2nd and 3rd couples continue their track outside them into the end places.
  3 – 4 1st and 4th couples Corners Cross, ladies passing left shoulder and the men immediately after them passing right. This is a quick movement and is similar to the movement in bars 3 and 4 of A1 in The Lindsay Rant.
  5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples Circle Left once round while 4th and 2nd couples do the same.
B2 1 – 4 The couples in the end positions, keeping inside hands with their neighbours, wheel them round through the end places into a ring of 8. (There is a similar movement in the B music of The Bishop.)
  5 – 8 All Circle Left half way round and be ready to start all over again from a new place.

Note:
The A music should be lively, yet controlled, and danced with a skip change of step. The rings should be slipped and the rest walked.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


The American Husband or Her Man

Tune: The American Husband © Pat Shaw, 1977
Recording: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
It’s Easy… – Hold the Mustard
Shaw to Shaw – The Ranchers (LP)
Barn Dance Fiesta – Ring o’ Bells Band
Formation: Sicilian Circle with an extra couple – Reel

As for a Sicilian Circle, with an extra couple between and at right angles to them, facing the centre of the hall, making a square with the inner side open.
1st couple facing round anticlockwise, 2nd couples have their backs to the walls of the hall, and 3rd couples face round clockwise.

A1 1 – 6 All circle left in a ring of six once round.
  7 – 8 All balance right and left to partner.
  9 – 16 Giving right hand to partner, all grand–chain all the way round the set to original places.
A2 1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples half right and left.
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples half right and left.
  9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples half right and left again.
  13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples half right and left.
B1 1 – 12 All three ladies chain three times. Each time the women pass one man and chain the next, i.e. their corners.
  13 – 16 All three couples promenade their partners out of the final ladies–chain, half–way round the set, so that 1st and 3rd couples change places and 2nd couple is now on the inside of the set. (As they approach new places, each man should put his partner in front of him, 1st man wheeling his partner round so they are ready to go off in the opposite direction. This enables everyone to move smoothly into the next figure.)
B2 1 – 8 Shetland Reel. Each couple, acting as a unit with the woman in the lead followed closely by her partner, Walk a reel of three. 3rd couple start by cutting through the centre, then loop clockwise round their original position. 1st couple cut through the centre immediately after 3rd couple, passing them right shoulder, then loop anticlockwise round their original position. 2nd couple follow 3rd couple, allowing 1st couple to cut in between and passing them left shoulder, and then cut through the centre themselves. Continue this until all are in the places from which they started the reel.
  9 – 12 All swing partners with 1st and 3rd couples finishing back–to–back with each other, facing round the set in their original directions and 2nd couple on the inside facing out.
  13 – 16 1st and 3rd couples promenade past the new couples facing them, men passing left shoulders, to meet the next new couple, while 2nd couple promenade across the set through the gap and wheel round into their original place.

Note:
In each round of the dance, the 1st and 3rd couples progress two places, but dance with every 2nd couple round the circle. 2nd couples end in the same place and have two new couples to visit them.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Another Nancy’s Fancy or The Lang Staff

Tune: Another Nancy’s Fancy © Pat Shaw
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP)
Modern Treasures – Bare Necessities
Formation: Duple Minor Longways – Triple Time
A1 1 –5 Ist man and 2nd lady Right Hand Turn once round; then casting left out of the turn, they gypsy anticlockwise, 1st man with 2nd man and 2nd lady with 1st lady.
  6 – 10 1st lady and 2nd man Left Hand Turn once round; then cast to the right into a clockwise gypsy with neighbour as before.
A2 1 – 5 1st man and 2nd lady move round clockwise outside the others into each other’s places; then all Circle Left half way round.
  6 – 10 1st lady and 2nd man, without casting, move anticlockwise round the others into each other’s places; all Circle Right half way round. All should now be improper and in progressed places.
B1 1 – 4 All Back to Back with partner; then 1st couple Half Figure of 8 through the 2nd couple.
  5 – 8 Passing right shoulder with partner, all Circular Hey all the way round.
B2 1 – 4 2nd couple cross over passing right shoulder and move down outside 1st couple, meet and lead back up the middle. Meanwhile 1st couple wait for one bar, then lead up the middle and cast back to place.
  5 – 8 All turn partners once round with both hands, falling back away from partner on the last bar.

Note: The movement in A1 should be continuous for each 5 bars, but in A2 allow 3 bars for moving round and 2 bars for the half–circle, The turn at the end of B2 must be slow and very well controlled. The dance should be played and danced with great breadth and dignity and in no way hurried.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Anton’s Surprise

Tune: Anton’s Surprise © Pat Shaw, 1964
Recording: Not Quite Shaw – West Kirby Country Dance Band (tape)
Formation: Duple Minor longways (double progression) – Reel
A1 1 – 4 1st couple turn with right hands once round and move down (not a cast) outside 2nd couple on their own side, 2nd couple moving up (first progression).
  5 – 8 1st couple half figure 8 up through 2nd couple.
A2 1 – 8 Ladies’ chain across the set with original couple.
B1 1 – 4 All face new neighbour (1st couples face the 2nd couple below them) and back to back right shoulder up and down the line.
  5 – 8 Still facing new neighbour, two changes of rights and lefts (second progression).
B2 1 – 4 All forward and back to partner with hands joined in line.
  5 – 8 Swing partner (pivot step) to own side.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Arrival from Holland

Tune: ‘Ik voer laast uijt Hollandt’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Two couples facing each other – Jig
First Figure
A1 1 – 2 Lead partner forward towards opposite couple;
  3 – 4 Turn single (Men left, Women right) away from partner;
  5 – 6 Lead out opposite.
A2 1 – 2 Change hands and lead opposite forward towards partner;
  3 – 4 Turn single (Men right, Women left) away from corner;
  5 – 6 Lead out partner.
B1 1 – 2 Facing partner, all three slip steps left and pause, Men ending face to face
  3 – 4 Men half right hand turn and make a right hand arch, while Women three–quarters turn single left;
  5 – 8 Women passing left shoulder, dance under the Men’s arch and cast right to original place – single step, while Men hold the arch (2 bars), change hands and half left hand turn ending in original place – walking step.
B2 1 – 4 Facing partner, all three slip steps right and pause, Women ending face to face;
  3 – 4 Women half left hand turn and make a left hand arch, while Men three–quarters turn single right;
  5 – 8 Men passing right shoulders, dance under the Women’s arch and cast left back to original place – single step, while Women hold the arch (2 bars), change hands and half right hand turn ending in original place – walking step.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 2 Partners move forward side by side right shoulder;
  3 – 4 Cast left to other side of partner (i.e. end standing left shoulder to left shoulder with partner);
  5 – 6 All fall back to place and turn to face opposite.
A2 1 – 2 Opposites move forward side by side left shoulder;
  3 – 4 Cast right to other side of opposite (i.e. end right shoulder to right shoulder with opposite);
  5 – 6 All fall back to place.
B1 1 – 4 Men, passing each other left shoulder, half hey across the set turning right into each other’s place ready for a right hand star, while Women cast out right, pass opposite right shoulder, pass each other left shoulder and turn quickly left into opposite Woman’s place ready for right hand star – single step;
  5 – 8 All right hand star once ending in opposite place – walking step.
B2 1 – 4 Women, passing each other right shoulder (still keeping right hands joined if they wish) half hey across the set turning left into original place, while the Men cast out left, pass opposite left shoulder, pass each other right shoulder and turn quickly right in original place ready for left hand star – single step;
  5 – 8 All left hand star once ending in original place – walking step.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 2 Partners half right hand turn;
  3 – 4 Turn single left;
  5 – 6 Partners half left hand turn to original place.
A2 1 – 2 Opposites half left hand turn;
  3 – 4 Turn single right;
  5 – 6 Opposites half right hand turn to original place, Men having their backs to their partner.
B1 1 – 4 Men, closely followed by their partner, turn sharply in to their right, pass the opposite Man left shoulder and dance anticlockwise round the other couple, Men ending in original place facing out, Women ending in opposite Woman’s place facing partner’s back – single step;
  5 – 6 All 3 slip steps left and pause (passing back to back with corner);
  7 – 8 All cast left and move one place anticlockwise round the set, ending in opposite place, Women facing out.
B2 1 – 4 Women, closely followed by their partner, turn sharply to their left, pass opposite Woman right shoulder and dance clockwise round the other couple, Women ending in the opposite Woman’s original place, Men ending in their own original place – single step;
  5 – 6 All three slip steps right and pause (passing back to back with corner);
  7 – 8 All cast right back to original place. All honour partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


As I Roved Out One Morning

Tune: ‘Ik gink op eenen morgen’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: Pat Shaw and More – Triple Time
Formation: Round set for three couples – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All join hands and move forward a double to centre and back.
A2 1 – 4 2nd and 3rd couples circle left once round ending in a semi–circle facing 1st couple with hands joined and held high to make arches, while 1st couple lead away from the set, change hands and lead back.
B1 1 – 3 1st couple pass left shoulder and dance through the end arches, (M1 between 2nd couple, W1 between 3rd couple), meeting partner behind middle pair (W2 + M3);
  4 – 7 Partners facing, all circular hey three changes (with or without hands), starting right hand or right shoulder to meet partner again – single or double step. 1st couple are now in original place, the other two couples have changed places.
(The circular hey brings the set back into its circle formation again).
B2 1 – 3 All back to back left shoulder with partner;
  4 – 7 1st couple lead across the set, separate and cast to original place – single or double step, while 2nd and 3rd couples pass partner right shoulder, then cross the set to original place passing left shoulder – walking step.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners side right shoulder.
A2 1 – 4 2nd couple side left shoulder, while 1st and 3rd couples circle left once round ending in a semi–circle (as in 1st Figure).
B1 & B2 As in 1st Figure, with 2nd couple leading the figure.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners right hand turn (or arm right).
A2 1 – 4 3rd couple left hand turn (or arm left), while 1st and 2nd couples circle left once round ending in a semi–circle (as in 1st Figure).
B1 & B2 As in 1st Figure, with 3rd couple leading the figure. All honour partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Avoncroft

Tune: Avoncroft © Pat Shaw, 1962
Recording: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
Formation: Three–couple progressive Longways Set – Jig
A1 1 – 4 1st couple cross over, move down outside 2nd couple, and lead through 3rd couple, while 3rd couple cast up (a large turn single – 3rd Man right and 3rd Woman left) and tuck in behind 1st couple (single or double step).
  5 – 8 1st couple cast up to original places improper, followed by 3rd and 2nd couples (single or double step).
A2 1 – 4 1st couple cross over, move down outside 3rd couple (in 2nd place), and lead through 2nd couple (in 3rd place), while 2nd couple cast up (a large turn single – 2nd Man right and 2nd Woman left) and tuck in behind 1st couple (single or double step).
  5 – 8 1st couple cast up to original places followed by 2nd and 3rd couples (single or double step). All are back in original places.
B 1 – 8 1st couple lead down middle of set (walking step), lead back and cast to middle place (double step), 2nd couple moving up in bars 7 and 8.
  9 – 16 1st Man half hey with 3rd couple, passing 3rd Woman left shoulder and turning left into middle place improper, and then half hey with 2nd couple, passing 2nd Woman left shoulder and turning left into middle place proper, while 1st Woman half hey with 2nd couple, passing 2nd Man left shoulder and turning left into middle place improper, and then half hey with 3rd couple, passing 3rd Man left shoulder and turning left into middle place proper (double step). 1st couple finish by leading down to bottom place, 3rd couple casting up the outside into middle place.

Repeat dance twice.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Babylon (First Version)

Tune: ‘In Babilone’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Triple minor longways processional – triple progression – Reel
Triple Progression
A1 1 – 4 All lead partner forward four slow steps;
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples continue to lead forward, while 1st couple cast and fall in behind 3rd couple.
A2 1 – 8 As above, 2nd couple casting behind 1st couple, while 3rd and 1st couples continue forward.
B 1 – 4 1st couple slow balance back and forward, while 2nd couple move up inside 1st couple and outside 3rd couple, at the same time 3rd couple move in and lead down the middle to 3rd place;
5 – 8 1st couple lead down between 3rd couple, separate from partner and go on outside new 2nd couple below (Triple progression); while 2nd couple turn single, Men left, Women right, moving in close to partner and moving up one place; at the same time 3rd couple cast up into 2nd place
A3 1 – 4 All in new places, lead partner forward as at first;
  5 – 8 Men wheel partners anticlockwise round themselves.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Babylon (Second Version)

Tune: Babylon © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Quadruple minor longways processional – quadruple progression – Reel
Quadruple Progression
A1 1 – 4 All lead partner forward;
  5 – 8 3rd and 4th couples continue forward, while 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, cast and fall in, 1st couple behind 4th couple, 2nd couple behind 1st couple.
A2 1 – 8 As above, 3rd and 4th couples casting to original places.
B1 1 – 8 1st couple lead through 2nd couple, go outside 3rd couple, lead through 4th couple and go outside next 2nd couple, while 2nd couple move up outside 1st couple, turn partner with both hands and turn single, Man left, Woman right (moving up the set unless at the top); at the same time 3rd couple turn partner with both hands half way, lead up through 1st couple, turn partner with both hands half way and turn single, Man left, Woman right, and 4th couple turn partner with both hands, move up outside 1st couple and turn single, Man left, Woman right. (Quadruple progression).
A3 1 – 8 All move forward, the lines crossing, Women in front of the Men, as in Winster Processional, cross back, Women again in front, and turn single away from partner, Men left, Women right.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Bare Necessities

Tune: Bare Necessities © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Bare Necessities – Bare Necessities
Formation: Three–couple Round Set – Waltz
A1 1 – 4 Women right hands across once round.
  5 – 8 Men left hands across once round.
A2 1 – 6 Three changes of a grand chain half–way round (two waltz steps for each change).
  7 – 8 Taking left hands, Men twirl partner clockwise under their joined hands, finishing by taking ballroom hold.
B 1 – 2 With partner, two chassé steps towards centre.
  3 – 4 Facing outwards with Woman’s right hand in Man’s left hand, all balance away from and towards partner.
  5 – 6 Taking ballroom hold with partner again, two chassé steps away from centre.
  7 – 8 Facing centre with Woman’s left hand in Man’s right hand, all balance away from and towards partner, finishing by joining hands in a circle of 6.
C 1 – 4 All circle left half way (round to original places).
  5 – 8 All face partner and gypsy right shoulder round partner, Women continuing on past own place, and turning right to face original corner (now new partner) in new place. (Note that Women must turn right to take right hands across to start the next round.)

Repeat dance twice.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Battersea Processional

Tune: no special music was written for this dance
Formation: Duple Minor longways (No progression) – Jigs
A1 1 – 2 Facing in the direction of the procession and taking inside hands with partner, all move four steps forward.
  3 – 4 1st couple cast one place, while 2nd couple continue moving forward.
  5 – 6 Taking inside hands with partner, move four steps forward.
  7 – 8 2nd couple cast one place, while, 1st couple continue moving forward.
A2 1 – 2 All move four steps forward.
  3 – 4 1st couple cast one place, while 2nd couple continue moving forward.
  5 – 6 2nd couple cast one place, while 1st couple continue moving forward.
  7 – 8 1st couple cast onto the ends of line of four, while 2nd couple change places with each other, 2nd Man moving behind his partner (finishing in order: 1M, 2W, 2M, 1W).
B1 1 – 2 All move four steps forward.
  3 – 4 1st Man takes inside hand with 2nd Woman and leads her three–quarters round him (hand over his head) while 2nd Man takes inside hand with 1st Woman and leads her once and a quarter round him (hand over his head), so that partners finish facing each other across the set.
  5 – 8 Half ladies’ chain across the set.
B2 1 – 4 With right hands joined with partner, Women turn single clockwise four times.
  5 – 8 Taking ballroom hold with partner, four pas–de–bas steps into original formation the shortest way.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Bell of Creation

Tune: Bell of Creation © Sydney Carter
Recording: Pat Shaw and More – Triple Time
Formation: Double Sicilian Circle (two couples side–by–side facing two couples) – Waltz
A 1 – 4 All set forward right and left towards opposite, pass by the right shoulder into opposite’s place, Men turning a quarter to their right and Women turning a quarter to their left to face partner.
  5 – 8 All turn partner with the left hand, Men remaining in the same place while swinging partner three–quarters round them into the Man’s original place. End facing original opposite couple.
  9 – 16 Ladies’ chain, North Country style, and back, ending by joining hands in two circles of four.
B 1 – 4 All one waltz step into the centre and one waltz step back. The Men pass the Woman in their left hand across in front of them and put her on their right into their own place, the Men moving left into her place. End by making a circle of eight.
  5 – 8 Repeat bars B 1 – 4 in circle of eight (this puts the original left hand couples in the centre of the set facing partner).
  9 – 12 Centre four people (original left hand couples) half North Country ladies’ chain for both Women to rejoin their partner.
  13 – 14 All join hands in circle of eight and circle left three places. (There is very little time to complete this movement). All are now opposite their original opposite, but have changed sides with the couple in their own line.
  15 – 16 The new left hand couples arch over their opposite couple to change places.

Repeat in new positions.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Berkshire Tragedy

Tune: Traditional
Recording: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Jigs
First version, single progression
  1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples circle left half way round.
  3 – 4 Set to centre right and left.
  5 – 8 All swing partners with ballroom hold, finishing proper and facing up the room.
  9 – 12 2nd couple cast a place and lead up back to progressed place, while 1st couple lead up and cast back to progressed place. (Single progression)
Second version, double progression
  1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples circle left half way round.
  3 – 4 Set to centre right and left.
  5 – 8 All swing partners with ballroom hold, finishing proper and facing up the room.
  9 – 12 2nd couple cast a place and lead up back to progressed place, while 1st couple lead up and cast back to progressed place. (first progression)
  13 – 16 With new couple above or below, three changes rights and lefts, starting by passing partner right shoulders. (second progression)

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Betrayed Lover (formerly known as “The Treacherous Lover”)

Tune: ‘De verradene Geliefden’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
A New English Ball – Bare Necessities
Formation: Duple minor longways – Jig
Double Progression
1st couples improper
A 1 – 4 All lead neighbour out to the side, change hands and lead back;
  5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples circle left half way and fall back away from partner.
B 1 – 4 1st couple half figure 8 through the 2nd couple above them; (first progression, though 2nd couple are still improper);
  5 – 8 1st couple lead down through new 2nd couple below and turn single, Men left, Women right, while 2nd couple cast up round the new 1st couple above, and change places with partner passing right shoulder. (Second progression).

Note:
During the last 4 bars the neutral couple at the top of the set should stand still, as they are already on the correct side to start the next round as 1st couples.

If there is an even number of couples in the set, 1st couples on reaching the bottom of the set will turn single, Man left, Woman right, and change places with partner passing right shoulder during the last four bars of B. They will then be ready to start straightaway as 2nd couples in the next round.

If there is an odd number of couples, they will complete the dance in the usual way and change places with partner while they are standing neutral at the beginning of the next round.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Buzzards Bay

Tune: Buzzards Bay © Pat Shaw, Date unknown
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
Formation: Progressive 3 couple longways set – 2nd couple improper – Reel
2nd couple improper
A1 1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples right–hand star while 3rd couple back–to–back.
  5 – 8 1st couple back–to–back while 2nd and 3rd couples left–hand star.
A2 1 – 8 Shetland Reel: Each man closely following his partner and each couple acting as a unit, all walk a reel (hey) for three. Start with 1st and 2nd couples passing right shoulders, i.e. 2nd couple coming up on the man’s side and looping clockwise round the top of the set. 1st couple going down on the woman’s side and cutting across the middle to loop anticlockwise round the bottom. 3rd couple come up on the woman’s side and cut through the middle immediately after the 1st couple passing them left shoulder and then loop clockwise round the top of the set. All continue in this way to original places.
B1 1 – 8 1st couple face down, others face up and all dip–and–dive going over from the middle and under from the ends. On reaching the ends, couples should turn as a couple, the man turning his partner under his arm if he so desires.
B2 1 – 8 1st couple lead down the middle, separate and cast back to place, while 2nd and 3rd couples fall back away from their partners and come forward and circle four to the left once round.
A3 1 – 4 1st couple cross over and go down outside into 2nd place, 2nd couple moving up in bars 3 and 4, the man handing his partner across in front of him so that they end proper in the top place.
  5 – 8 1st couple then cross over again and go down outside to the bottom, while 3rd couple move up to middle place in bars 7 and 8, the man handing his partner across in front of him to finish improper.

Repeat dance twice so that all end in original place.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Camp House Reel

Tune: Camp House Reel © Pat Shaw, Date unknown
Recording: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Formation: Triple minor longways – Reel

Steps: Walk or polka as desired, perhaps polka B2. Walk the casts. Use American–type balance–pivot swing.

A1 1 – 2 1st couple cast down into 2nd place, 2nd couple moving up.
  3 – 8 1st man with 3rd woman and 1st woman with 2nd man balance and swing on 1st couple’s right diagonal, finishing with 1st couple in middle place. (Balance in bars 3 and 4; swing in bars 5 to 8.)
A2 1 – 2 1st man cast down into 3rd man’s place; 3rd man moving up into 2nd man’s place, while 1st woman casts back up to her original place; 2nd woman moving down back into her own place.
  3 – 8 1st man with 2nd woman and 1st woman with 3rd man balance and swing on 1st couple’s left diagonal.
B1 1 – 4 1st man goes below 3rd woman, up round behind her, passes inside in front of 2nd woman back to his original place and takes promenade hold with his partner facing up, while 3rd man and 2nd man wait 2 bars, then move down into their original places, 2nd man taking promenade hold with his partner facing up.
  5 – 8 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, promenade to their left, men wheeling their partner round into progressed places, both couples finishing proper.
B2 1 – 4 1st man half–hey with 3rd couple, passing left shoulder with 3rd woman, while 1st woman half–hey with 2nd couple, passing left shoulder with 2nd man.
1st couple quick right–hand turn half–way round to own side.
  5 – 8 1st man half–hey with 2nd couple, passing right shoulder with 2nd man, while 1st woman half–hey with 3rd couple, passing right shoulder with 3rd woman.
1st couple quick left–hand turn half–way round into progressed place.

Note:
In B2 the 2nd and 3rd couples do complete straight heys across the set, making large loops at the ends to allow the 1st couple to make half–turns. Be careful to observe the rhythmic differences in the music between bars 1 and 2 and bars 5 and 6.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


The Carillon at Sneek

Tune: ‘Het Sneeker Klokspel’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Longways set for four couples, progressive – Waltz
A1 1 – 6 1st and 3rd couples set forward right and left to partner and set right and left backwards away from partner and cast into 2nd and 4th places, while 2nd and 4th couples turn partner with both hands and lead up into 1st and 3rd places.
A2 1 – 6 2nd and 4th couples set forward right and left to partner and set right and left backwards away from partner and cast down one place, while 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands and lead up one place.
B1 1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples face down, 3rd and 4th couples face up, all do seven changes of a straight hey for four on each side, 2nd couple passing inside 3rd couple to start and finishing one place before original place in the order 2nd, 1st, 4th, 3rd couples.
B2 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples circle left half way and fall back slightly, while 2nd and 3rd couples set forward to partner right and left and change places with partner passing right shoulder and half a turn single left at the same time
  5 – 8 All turn partner with both hands half way and fall back away from partner.

Repeat the dance three times.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Carnival

Tune: ‘Vastenavond’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Round set for three couples – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All circle left (four slip steps) and turn single left.
A2 1 – 4 All circle right (four slip steps) and turn single right.
B1 1 – 4 Passing partner right shoulder, three changes of a circular hey (without hands) and finish facing partner;
  5 – 6 Men jump out to the right, turning left to face the centre, then Women jump in to the right, turning left to face out (the jumps should be done as in Nonesuch);
  7 – 10 All set forward right and left to partner and turn single right veering to the right back into circle formation, ending facing partner.
All are now half way round the set and are improper.
B2 1 – 4 Again passing partner right shoulder, three changes of a circular hey as before;
  5 – 6 Men jump in to the right turning left to face out, then Women jump out turning left to face in;
  7 – 10 Set forward right and left and turn single right to finish facing partner in original place
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners move forward side by side right shoulder, turning right to face each other and three–quarters turn single right back to original places.
A2 1 – 4 Partners move forward side by side left shoulder, turning left to face each other and three–quarters turn single left back to original place.
B1 1 – 4 All move four steps right (Men out, Women towards centre) turning right to face corner, move back into circle formation on far side of corner, turning right to face corner;
  5 – 10 Men jump out, Women jump in and all set forward right and left to corner and turn single right (as in 1st Figure), but finish facing corner.
B2 1 – 4 All move four steps right (Men in, Women out) and turning right to face partner, move into original partner’s place;
  5 – 10 Men jump in, Women jump out and all set forward right and left to partner and turn single right, finishing in original place.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners half right hand turn, then all gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) round next dancer (original opposite).
A2 1 – 4 Partners half left hand turn, then all gypsy clockwise (right shoulder) round corner.
B1 1 – 4 Men left hand star in centre, while Women dance clockwise round the outside, catch partner with the right hand and quarter right hand turn into circle formation, Men facing out, Women in;
  5 – 10 Men jump out turning left, Women jump in turning left (all are now facing original opposite); all set forward right and left to opposite and turn single right into circle formation (as in 1st Figure).
B2 1 – 4 Women left hand star in centre, while Men dance clockwise round the outside, catch opposite with right hand and quarter right hand turn into circle formation, Women facing out, Men facing in;
  5 – 10 Men jump in turning left, Women jump out turning left; partners, who are now facing, set forward right and left and turn single right into original place, where they honour.

Note:
The jumps are always to the right turning left.
Men always jump first, out in B1, in in B2.

The turn single after the setting forward is always veering to the right back into circle formation.

The final set and turn single in each Figure is always with original partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Cecilia

Tune: ‘Cecilia’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Longways set for four couples – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All lead partner up a double and fall back;
  5 – 8 All set left and right to partner and turn single left.
A2 1 – 4 All lead partner down a double and fall back;
  5 – 8 All set right and left to partner and turn single right.
B 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples meet in the centre and circle left half way, while 2nd and 3rd couples cast to end places and turn with both hands half way;
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples meet in the centre and circle left half way, while 1st and 4th couples cast to end places and turn with both hands half way;
  9 – 12 2nd couple, facing 3rd couple and passing neighbour right shoulder, all half straight hey for four on own side to original place (see Note 2);
  13 – 16 Partners turn once with both hands;
  17 – 20 All set right and left moving backwards (away from partner) and turn single right moving forward towards partner.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners side right shoulder;
  5 – 8 All set left and right to partner and turn single left.
A2 1 – 4 Partners side left shoulder;
  5 – 8 All set right and left to partner and turn single right.
B 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples cross over passing right shoulder with partner and move down or up the outside into middle place, while 2nd Man and 3rd Woman, closely followed by 3rd Man and 2nd Woman, change places passing right shoulders and lead partner into end places;
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples now cross, passing right shoulder with partner, and move up or down the outside into middle place, while 1st Woman and 4th Man, closely followed by 1st Man and 4th Woman, change places passing right shoulder and lead partner into end places;
  9 – 12 Half hey with arches (dip and dive) to original place, 2nd couple facing 3rd couple in centre of set, start by going under arch made by 3rd couple, then 3rd couple go under arch made by 1st couple, while 4th couple go under arch made by 2nd couple etc. (see Note 2);
  13 –20 Partners turn with both hands, set right and left moving backwards and turn single right moving forward as before.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners right hand turn (or arm right);
  5 – 8 All set left and right to partner and turn single left.
A2 1 – 4 Partners left hand turn (or arm left);
  5 – 8 All set right and left to partner and turn single right.
B 1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples right hand star half way, while 3rd and 4th couples do the same,
  3 – 4 1st and 4th couples left hand star half way, while 2nd and 3rd couples (M2 and W3 turning left) half left hand turn with partner;
  5 – 6 1st and 3rd couples right hand star half way, while 2nd and 4th couples do the same
  7 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples left hand star half way, while 1st and 4th couples (M4 and W1 turning left) half left hand turn with partner;
  9 – 12 1st couple facing 2nd couple, 3rd couple facing 4th couple, passing right shoulder to start, all half straight hey for four on own side to original place (see Note 2);
  13 – 20 All turn partner with both hands, set moving backwards and turn single right moving forward as before. All honour partner.

Note 1:
In A1 + A2 the setting should be done forward towards partner and the turn single back to place.

Note 2:
The three heys are different:
in the 1st Figure, the middle couples face and pass right shoulder;
in the 2nd Figure, the middle couples face, the 2nd couple go between the 3rd couple who make an arch over them;
in the 3rd Figure, the middle couples face the end couples and pass right shoulder.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Chigwell Row

Tune: Adapted by Pat Shaw from a traditional Essex song
Recordings: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
All Alive – Two’s Company (tape)
Formation: Duple Minor longways. Double progression – Reel
A1 1 – 4 1st couple half figure 8 down through 2nd couple.
  5 – 8 1st Woman and 2nd Man half figure 8 across the set through the 1st Man and 2nd Woman.
A2 1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Woman half figure 8 across the set through 1st Woman and 2nd Man.
  5 – 8 2nd couple half figure 8 down through 1st couple (all are progressed, but are improper).
B 1 – 2 1st couple facing down, 2nd couple facing up, and facing a new couple, all change places with this new couple, 2nd couple making arch and moving over the 1st couple, who move down underneath.
  3 – 4 All change hands and move back again, 1st couple arching over 2nd couple, who pass under.
  5 – 8 All circle four to the left once round with original couple.
C 1 – 2 1st couple pass under arch made by their original 2nd couple (with whom they have just circled) who move down over the top at the same time.
  3 – 4 All change hands and move back again, 1st couple arching over and 2nd couple passing under.
  5 – 8 All, moving on to a new couple, circle left half way round and fall back away from partner. (Second progression)

N.B. (a) At the end of B music, any neutral couple should turn partner with both hands once round (while the others circle left).
(b) At the end of C music, any neutral couple that is improper should turn partner half way round with both hands and fall back away from partner (while the others circle half way round and fall back away from partner).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Clarance House

Tune: Clarance House (Jig) and Whit Monday (Reel) © Pat Shaw, 1953
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
Formation: Four–couple Square Set – Jig and Reel (twice) plus Jig
Jig
A1 1 – 8 All taking inside hands with partner, head couples forward and back twice, with side couples (starting on bar 3) forward, back and forward, finishing in centre facing corner in two straight lines (double step).
A2 1 – 8 Two complete straight heys for four, finishing in same two straight lines facing corner (double step).
B 1 – 4 All turn corner with right hands three–quarters round into lines across head positions. Set right and left on the spot in line, making arches.
  5 – 8 Men left hand turn a quarter into line down set and immediately 2nd and 4th Men half right hand turn. Men set right and left on the spot in line, making arches, facing partner.
  9 – 12 Women go through nearer outside arch in opposite directions passing right shoulders and left around partner to places (double step).
  13 – 16 All left hand turn with partner to places (double step).
Reel
A1 1 – 8 1st and 3rd couples balance* right and left to partner and balance right and left to opposite. Taking inside hands with partner, head couples forward and back (double step).
A2 1 – 8 1st and 3rd couples forward again into a back to back with opposite and lead out with opposite through nearer side couple, separate and return to places (double step).
B 1 – 4 1st and 3rd Men right hand turn once round, and left hand turn with partner once round (double step).
  5 – 8 1st Man with 4th couple and 3rd Man with 2nd couple right hands across for three on sides, while 1st and 3rd Women left hand turn once in centre (double step).
  9 – 16 1st and 3rd Men fall in behind their partner for left hands across once round to places and then continue turning their partner with the left hand, while 2nd and 4th couples right hand turn with partner to end of phrase of music (double step).
Jig and Reel Repeat with 2nd and 4th couples leading. (In repeating Jig B 1 – 4 lines will be up and down the room for side couples).
Jig
A1   All turn corner with left hand once round, turn partner with right hand once and a half, Men turn right hand Woman with left hand once round and turn partner with right hand half way and face partner for:
A2   Grand chain all the way back to places (double step).
B 1 – 8 All four ladies’ chain to opposite Man with open left hand turn and chain back to partner with open left hand turn (double step).
  9 – 16 Promenade with partner once round (double step).

* Step on right foot and press ball of left foot in front of right and return all weight to right foot, step on left foot and press ball of right foot in front of left and return all weight to left foot.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Clevedon Sicilian or Doreen’s Delight

Tune: Clevedon Sicilian and As Luck will have it © Pat Shaw, 1965
Recordings: All Alive – Two’s Company (tape)
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Reel
A 1 – 4 With inside hands joined, forward and back to opposite couple.
  5 – 6 Facing partner, set right and left.
  7 – 8 Still facing partner, four galop steps to the right to next person of the opposite sex.
  9 – 12 Back to back right shoulder with that person.
  13 – 16 Swing the same person (ballroom hold with pivot step).
B 1 – 4 Facing in original direction but with a different partner, half ladies’ chain round the circle.
  5 – 8 Two changes of rights and lefts. End facing the person with whom you have passed left hand (your original opposite), standing next to your partner, Woman on Man’s right.
  9 – 12 Half ladies’ chain across the set.
  13 – 16 Facing partner, two changes of rights and lefts.

N.B. The back to back and swing are with the same person.

Change partners version

A 1 – 4 Face partner, set right and left and move to the left to a new partner.
  5 – 8 Swing new partner ending on own side.
  9 – 12 Set right and left to new partner and move back to the right to original partner.
  13 – 16 Swing partner.
B 1 – 4 Facing in original direction, half ladies’ chain round the circle.
  5 – 8 Two changes of rights and lefts. End facing the person with whom you have passed left hand (your original opposite), standing next to your partner, Woman on Man’s left.
  9 – 12 Half ladies’ chain across the set.
  13 – 16 Facing partners, two changes of rights and lefts.

N.B. (a) Each Woman dances the half ladies’ chain with the same Woman throughout.
(b) The person swung in A 5 – 8 will be your partner for the next round.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Clog Dance

Tune: ‘Klompe Dans’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Round for as many as will – progressive – Reel

Men having their partner on their right

First Figure
A1 1 – 2 All with hands on shoulders circle left – double step
  3 – 4 Facing centre dance in position – back step and three stamps (R hop L hop | R L R – |).
A2 1 – 4 Repeat the above, but circle right and reverse the footing.
B1 1 – 2 Men with right arm round partner’s waist, Women with left hand on partner’s shoulder, all dance towards the centre – double step;
  3 – 4 Men wheel partner round anticlockwise single step;
5 – 6 All dance backwards to original places – double step;
  7 – 8 All turn partner with both hands – single step and 3 stamps.
B2 1 – 2 All facing partner two changes of a grand chain, right hand and left hand – double step;
  3 – 4 Right hand turn the next once and a half – single step;
  5 – 6 Pass the next two, left hand and right hand – double step;
  7 – 8 Left hand turn with the next – single step and three stamps.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 2 All side right shoulders with new partner – one double step forward (starting with right foot) and one backwards;
  3 – 4 Dance facing new partner in position – back step and three stamps.
A2 1 – 4 All side left shoulder with the same new partner and dance in position (starting with left foot).
B1 1 – 4 All back to back right shoulder with same new partner (double step and single step as before);
  5 – 8 All back to back left shoulder with new corner, ending facing the centre (double step, single step and three stamps).
B2 1 – 2 Men move backward and forward, moving slightly to the left, while Women move forward and backward, moving slightly to the right into corner’s place (double step, starting with left foot);
  3 – 4 All turn same corner with both hands (Men with Women now to their right with whom they have just changed places) (single step);
  5 – 6 Men move backward and forward, moving left again, while Women move forward and backward, moving right as before, changing places with new corner (double step);
  7 – 8 All face next new corner (Men face left, Women face right) and turn with both hands half way anticlockwise with this corner, who becomes the new partner for the next figure (single step and three stamps).
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Arm right with new partner and dance in position (double step, single step and three stamps starting with right foot).
A2 1 – 4 Arm left with new partner and dance in position (starting with left foot).
B1 1 – 4 All gypsy clockwise (right shoulder) round partner (double step and single step starting right foot);
  5 – 8 Gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) round corner, finishing facing corner (double step, single step and three stamps).
B2 1 – 2 All chassé left and right, changing places with corner (double step starting with left foot);
  3 – 4 Pass the next two left shoulder and right shoulder, without giving hands (single step);
  5 – 6 Repeat the chassé left and right, changing places with the next, turning left about during the chassé right to face the same person again (double step);
  7 – 8 Pass two right shoulder and left shoulder, without giving hands as before (single step and three stamps). All should now be in original place.

This dance should be extremely vigorous in performance. Use plenty of weight in all turns and attack every movement strongly.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Colterom

Tune: ‘Colterom’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: Pat Shaw and More – Triple Time
Formation: Triple minor longways – Waltz
Triple Progression
A1 1 – 4 All start holding inside hands with partner, facing up.
1st couple wheel out left and move down Men’s side into 2nd and 3rd Men’s places, while 2nd couple wheel out right and move down Women’s side into 2nd and 3rd Women’s places and 3rd couple move up to the top, 3rd Man handing his partner across in front of him to face down in 1st couple’s place;
  5 – 8 All circle left, finishing with 1st couple in 3rd place proper, 3rd couple on the Men’s side and 2nd couple on the Women’s side.
A2 1 – 4 3rd couple turn left hand once and a quarter, while 2nd couple turn right hand once and a quarter, manoeuvring into original places as they do so at the same time 1st couple, following 3rd Woman and 2nd Man to begin with, lead up to the top and turn single, Man left, Woman right;
  5 – 8 Then 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples, cast to the bottom and lead up the middle into 2nd place, 2nd couple continuing outside down into 3rd place and 3rd couple turn single, Man left, Woman right, in 1st place. (First progression, although 2nd and 3rd couples are not in their right places).
B1 1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Woman turn right hand, while 3rd Man and 1st Woman do the same;
  5 – 8 1st couple passing each other right shoulders, 1st Man and 3rd Woman turn left hand, while 2nd Man and 1st Woman do the same, then 1st couple (proper) lead down to 3rd place, 2nd couple moving up. (Second progression)
B2 1 – 2 2nd and 3rd couples circle left half way, while 1st couple balance back away from partner and move forward;
  3 – 4 All turn partners with both hands half way;
  5 – 8 1st couple, pass partner right shoulder and move down outside the new 2nd couple into new place, where they turn single, Man right, Woman left, 2nd couple moving up on the last 2 bars (except at the top of the set). (Third progression)

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Country Dance

Tune: ‘Contredans’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Set for four men and six women in two lines – Reel
Top
  W5 M3 W3 M1 W1  
  W6 M4 W4 M2 W2  
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 Joining hands in lines, all forward and back;
  5 – 8 All set forward left and right facing diagonally to the left and turn single left back to original place.
A2 1 – 4 All forward and back in lines again;
  5 – 8 All set forward right and left facing diagonally to the right and turn single right back to original place.
B1 1 – 4 1st and 4th Men with middle Women (M1 + M4 and W3 + W4) circle left once round;
  5 – 8 Holding the circle, they raise their hands to make arches and the other two Men followed by the end Women (M2, followed by W2 + W1, and M3, followed by W5 + W6), dance clockwise through the nearest arch into the circle in front of the Men, and out through next arch continuing round to original place;
9 – 16 Then 1st and 4th Men with both neighbouring Women and the end couple opposite (M1 + M2 with W1, W2 + W3, and M3 + M4 with W4, W5 + W6) circle five left and right (slip step) – finishing in original place.
B2 1 – 8 2nd and 3rd Men with middle Women (M2 + M3 and W3 + W4) circle right once round; and make arches as before, the other two Men followed by the end Women (M1, followed by W1 + W2, and M4, followed by W6 + W5), dance through the nearest arch into the circle and round anticlockwise in front of the Men, and out through the next arch to their original place;
  9 – 16 Then 2nd and 3rd Men with both neighbouring Women and the end couple opposite (M1 + M2 with W1, W2 + W4, and M3 + M4 with W3, W5 + W6) circle five right and left (slip step) – finishing in original place.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 1st and 4th Men face their right hand neighbour (M1 faces W3, M4 faces W4), side right shoulder to right shoulder forming a line of four across the set; while the other two Men move between the end Women, who also move towards them to form lines of three (M3 between W5 + W6, M2 between W1 + W2) and all fall back;
  5 – 8 All set forward left and right to the same people and turn single left back to place.
A2 1 – 4 2nd and 3rd Men face their left hand neighbour (M3 faces W3, M2 faces W4), side left, who also move towards them to form lines of three (M1 between W1 + W2, M4 between W5 + W6) and all fall back;
  5 – 8 All set forward right and left to the same people and turn single right back to place.
B1 1 – 8 1st and 4th Men whole figure 8 between middle Women passing each other right shoulder and then left (M1 round W4 + W3, M4 round W3 + W4); while the other two Men whole figure 8 between end Women (M2 round W1 + W2, M3 round W6 + W5);
  9 – 16 All circle left and right (M1 with W1 + W2, M4 with W5 + W6, M2 + M3 with W3 + W4). (All this should be done with a double step).
B2 1 – 8 2nd and 3rd men whole figure 8 between middle Women passing each other left shoulder and then right (M3 round W4 + W3, M2 round W3 + W4); while the other two Men whole figure 8 between end Women (M1 round W2 + W1, M4 round W5 + W6);
  9 – 16 All circle right and left (M3 with W5 + W6, M2 with W1 + W2, M1 + M4 with W3 + W4). (Double step).
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 1st and 4th Men with middle Women right hand star (M1 + M4, W3 + W4), while the other two Men with the end Women right hand star for three (M2 + W1 + W2 and M3 + W5 + W6);
  5 – 8 All set forward left and right towards centre of stars and turn single left back to original place.
A2 1 – 4 2nd and 3rd Men with middle Women left hand star (M2 + M3, W3 + W4), while the other two Men with the end Women left hand star for three (M1 + W1+ W2 and M4 + W5 + W6);
  5 – 8 All set forward right and left and turn single right back to original place as before.
B1 1 – 8 1st and 4th Men hey for three with the two neighbouring Women passing the middle Woman right shoulders (M1 + W1 + W3, M4 + W4 + W6), while the other "couples" gypsy anticlockwise then clockwise (left then right shoulders);
  9 – 16 Men circle right and left in the centre, while the Women circle left and right outside them.
B2 1 – 8 2nd and 3rd Men hey for three with the two neighbouring Women passing the middle Woman left shoulders (M3 + W3 + W5, M2 + W4 + W2), while the other "couples" gypsy clockwise then anticlockwise (right then left shoulders);
  9 – 16 Men circle left and right in the centre, while the Women circle right and left outside them.
Coda
A1 1 – 8 Joining hands in lines as in 1st Figure A1, all forward and back; all step right and honour opposite, step left and honour opposite.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Dancing Dutch

Tune: The Dancing Dutch © Pat Shaw, 1973
Recording: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Reel
First couples improper
A1 1 – 3 1st and 2nd Women right hand turn once round.
  4 – 6 All left hand turn with partner, finishing with Women standing back to back and facing partner.
  7 – 8 All set to partner in diagonal line across the set.
A2 1 – 8 Passing partner right shoulder, all complete hey for four.
B1 1 – 4 1st couple promenade a short way down the room, wheel round anticlockwise as a couple, while 2nd couple do the same up the room, then straight into:
  5 – 8 Half ladies’ chain across the set with opposite couple.
B2 1 – 4 All back to back with partner.
  5 – 8 All swing partner or turn partner once round with both hands.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Dancing the Baby

Tune: Traditional
Formation: Four couple Longways Set – Hornpipe Step
1st and 2nd couples proper, 3rd and 4th couples improper
A 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples set to partner and three–quarter right hand turn with partner (2nd couple moving up slightly and 3rd couple moving down slightly to form 2 diamonds).
  5 – 8 All set to partner and 1st couple with 2nd couple and 3rd couple with 4th couple left hand across half way round.
B1 1 – 8 Two straight heys (seven changes) across the set, started by passing right shoulder, 1st Man with 2nd Woman, 1st Woman with 2nd Man, 4th Man with 3rd Woman and 4th Woman with 3rd Man. All finish improper to original places. 1st and 4th couples take ballroom hold with partner to face down and up the set respectively.
C 1 – 2 1st and 4th couples chassé towards each other and back.
  3 – 4 1st and 4th couples 4 step–hop swing, ballroom hold, once and a quarter, moving in towards each other and finishing with Men back to back in centre of set, while 2nd and 3rd couples 4 step–hops diagonally forward to meet partner in end places and take ballroom hold.
  5 – 6 1st and 4th couples chassé to Men’s left and back to right, changing places with each other, while 2nd and 3rd couples chassé towards each other and back.
  7 – 8 1st and 4th couples four step–hop swing halfway round to finish with 4th couple proper in 2nd couple’s place and 1st couple improper in 3rd couple’s place, while 2nd and 3rd couples four step–hop swing round into 1st couple’s place proper and 4th couple’s place improper respectively.
B2 1 – 4 1st and 3rd couples half double figure 8 (1st couple start by crossing and 3rd couple by casting), while 4th and 2nd couples half double figure 8 (4th couple start by crossing and 2nd couple by casting). 1st and 4th couples change ends, Women crossing in front of the Men.
  5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples half double figure 8 (1st couple start by crossing and 2nd couple by casting), while 4th and 3rd couples half double figure 8 (4th couple start by crossing and 3rd couple by casting). 1st and 4th couples change places with neighbour (1st Woman with 4th Man and 1st Man with 4th Woman).
(Double figure 8 at each end of the set). (In B2 1 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples in end places dancing whole double figure 8, 1st and 4th couples dancing half a double figure 8 at each end).
Dance repeated three times + A.
A 1 – 2 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple, cast down individually to the bottom of the set, while 4th couple, followed by 3rd couple, cast up individually to the top of the set, Women going on the inside. (2 x 1–2–3 hop–steps).
  3 – 4 All change places with partner. (four step–hops).
  5 – 8 All circle left half way to places, (two 1–2–3 hop–steps) and right hop, left hop, right together, and honour partner.
Progression 1–3–4–2–1.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Dear Papa and Dear Mama (First Version)

Tune: ‘Vader lief kreeg Moeder lief’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
A New English Ball – Bare Necessities
Formation: Round for as many as will – Waltz & Reel

Men having their partner on their right

A1 1 – 3 All right hand turn with partner;
  4 – 7 All gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) with corner and pass partner right shoulder.
A2 1 – 3 All right hand turn with new partner;
  4 – 7 All gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) with original partner and pass new partner right shoulder.
B 1 – 2 All pass new partner right shoulder with half turn single left at the same time;
  3 – 4 Pass the same partner again right shoulder, without turning, and then the next, left shoulder;
  5 – 6 All pass the next (original partner) right shoulder with half turn single left at the same time;
7 – 8 Pass original partner again right shoulder, without turning, and then the next left shoulder;
  9 – 12 (Change of rhythm) All turn the next with both hands half way, face the centre and balance right and left in circle formation.
To make this clearer, here is the description for 2nd man:
A1 1 – 3 Right hand turn with 2nd Woman;
  4 – 7 gypsy anticlockwise round 1st Woman and pass 2nd Woman right shoulder.
A2 1 – 3 Right hand turn with 3rd Woman;
  4 – 7 gypsy anticlockwise round 2nd Woman and pass 3rd Woman right shoulder.
B 1 – 2 Pass 4th Woman right shoulder with half turn single left at the same time,
  3 – 4 Pass 4th Woman right shoulder and 3rd Woman left shoulder;
  5 – 6 Pass 2nd Woman right shoulder with half turn single left at the same time,
  7 – 8 Pass 2nd Woman right shoulder and 3rd Woman left shoulder;
  9 – 12 Turn 4th Woman with both hands half way into a circle and balance. (2nd man startsagain with 5th Woman)

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Dear Papa and Dear Mama (Second Version)

Tune: ‘Vader lief kreeg Moeder lief’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
A New English Ball – Bare Necessities
Formation: Round for as many as will – Waltz & Reel

Men having their partner on their right

A1 1 – 7 All circle left with five waltz steps and turn single left.
A2 1 – 7 All circle right with five waltz steps and turn single right.
B 1 – 4 All right hand turn with partner and pass corner left shoulder;
  5 – 8 All left hand turn with next person beyond corner and pass corner right shoulder;
  9 – 12 (Change of rhythm) All set right and left to partner and pass right shoulder to next (new partner).

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Delight of the Men of Llay (Difyrrwch Gwŷr Llay)

Tune: Any 32 bar jig such as “Cainc y Datgeiniaid”
Formation: Sicilian Circle
A1 Couples change places and back, 2nd couples making an arch and going over, changing hands and coming under, 1st couples doing the reverse; repeat all this with the couple originally behind you.
A2 With original opposite galop four steps out to the side and lead back; partners swing in place.
B1 Basket with the other couple.
B2 Half–pousette past the other couple (men pushing first); and swing partners in new places ending facing a new couple.

Links:


The Donkey Brays

Tune: ‘Het Eesel schreit’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Round for as many as will – Jig

Men having their partner on their right

A1 1 – 4 All set forward right and left to partner and turn single right back to place.
A2 1 – 4 All half right hand turn with partner and box the gnat back to original place.
B1 1 – 4 Pass partner right shoulder and left hand turn with the next, finishing facing original partner improper.
B2 1 – 4 Set forward right and left to original partner and passing partner right shoulder, half turn single left at the same time and immediately pass partner again right shoulder (without a turn single). A quick movement but not difficult

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Donnie’s Farewell to London

Tune: Donnie’s Farewell to London © Pat Shaw, 1959
Formation: Three–couple Longways Set – Reel
A1 1 – 8 Grimstock hey 1st couple changing sides down and up the set.
A2 1 – 4 1st couple cross over, move down outside the 2nd couple.
  5 – 8 1st couple half figure 8 up through 2nd couple who move up.
B 1 – 8 1st Man turns 3rd Woman with right hand, while 1st Woman turns 2nd Man with right hand (1st corners). 1st couple turn with the left hand. 1st Man turns 2nd Woman with right hand, while 1st Woman turns 3rd Man with right hand (2nd corners). 1st couple turn with left hand, finishing in middle place on own side.
  9 – 12 All set right and left to partner and change places with them passing right shoulder.
  13 – 16 All circle left half way round. (double step)

Repeat dance twice.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Down in the Nettles

Tune: ‘’k lagh in de Neetelen’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Longways set for four couples – Jig
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All lead partner up a double, change hands, and fall back, still moving up the room.
A2 1 – 4 All lead partner down a double, change hands, and fall back to original places.
B1 1 1st Man and 4th Woman fall back a step,
2 2nd Man and 3rd Woman fall back a step,
3 – 4 1st and 2nd couples slip down into 3rd and 4th places (1M + 2M outside), while 3rd and 4th couples slip up into 1st and 2nd places (3W + 4W outside);
5 – 8 1st and 4th couples circle left, while 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands;
9 – 10 All turn partner with both hands half way (the end couple should make the turns continuous, i.e. once and a half altogether).
B2 1 3rd Man and 2nd Woman fall back a step,
  2 4th Man and 1st Woman fall back a step,
  3 – 4 1st and 2nd couples slip up 1W + 2W outside), while 3rd and 4th couples slip down to original places, but improper (3M + 4M outside);
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples circle left, while 1st and 4th couples turn partner with both hands;
  9 – 10 All turn partner with both hands half way.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 2 All move forward to stand right shoulder to right shoulder with partner,
  3 – 4 All half turn single left, falling back into partner’s place.
A2 1 – 2 All move forward to stand left shoulder to left shoulder with partner,
  3 – 4 All half turn single right, falling back to original place.
B1 1 1st Man and 4th Woman step forward, turning a quarter right to face each other,
2 4th Man and 1st Woman step forward similarly to face partner,
3 – 10 1st and 4th couples, joining hands with partner, push or pull towards the centre to form a line and go straight into half hey for four passing partner right shoulder, then turn partner with both hands three–quarters, finishing improper, 1st couple in 3rd place, 4th couple in 2nd place. At the same time, while 1st and 4th couples move to the centre, 2nd and 3rd couples cast to 1st and 4th places, turn partners by the right hand in the end places, and move up or down outside the set on their own side, passing the other Man or Woman left shoulder, and turn partner with both hands half way at the other end finishing improper.
B2 1 2nd Man and 3rd Woman step forward, turning a quarter right to face each other,
  2 3rd Man and 2nd Woman do likewise to face partner,
  3 – 10 2nd and 3rd couples, joining hands, push or pull towards the centre straight into half a hey for four passing partner right shoulder, then turn partner with both hands three–quarters to finish in original places. At the same time, while 2nd and 3rd couples move to the centre, 1st and 4th couples cast into the end places and turn partner by the right hand in the end places and move up or down outside the set on their wrong side, passing the other Man or Woman left shoulder, to original place improper, then turn partner with both hands half way.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 All half right hand turn with partner and turn single left.
A2 1 – 4 All half left hand turn with partner and turn single right.
B1 1 1st Man and 3rd Woman step forward, while 2nd Man and 4th Woman step back,
2 3rd Man and 1st Woman step forward, while 4th Man and 2nd Woman step back,
3 – 4 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands half way moving down into 2nd and 4th places improper, while 2nd and 4th couples slip up to 1st and 3rd places;
5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples cast up and lead back, while 2nd and 4th couples half figure 8 through them;
9 – 10 1st and 4th Men turn with both hands half way, 1st and 4th Women do the same at the same time, while 2nd couple lead down the middle to the bottom and 3rd couple cast up to the top.
(This figure should be very continuous, the timings given being approximate only.)
B2 1 4th Man and 2nd Woman step forward, while 3rd Man and 1st Woman step back,
  2 2nd Man and 4th Woman step forward, while 1st Man and 3rd Woman step back,
  3 – 4 2nd and 4th couples turn partner with both hands half way up into 3rd and 1st place proper, while 1st and 3rd couples slip down to 4th and 2nd places;
  5 – 8 2nd and 4th couples cast down and lead back up, while 1st and 3rd couples half figure 8 through them;
  9 – 10 2nd and 3rd Men turn with both hands half way, 2nd and 3rd Women do the same at the same time, while 1st couple lead up the middle to the top and 4th couple cast down the outside to the bottom. (This should also be continuous as in B1 above.) All honour partner in original place.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The "Duchess" Saraband

Tune: ‘Sarabande op de Duchesse’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: ‘Becket’ set with another ‘Becket’ set outside – Reel
1st couples facing each other in the centre, 2nd couples also facing inward, each man having his partner on his right, thus:
  M2 M1 W1 W2  
  a a b b  
  W2 W1 M1 M2  
  M2 M1 W1 W2  
  a a b b  
  W2 W1 M1 M2  
  .. .. .. ..  
A1 1 – 4 1st couples “a” and “b” right hand star;
  5 – 8 1st Women “a” and “b” right hand turn with each other in the centre, while 1st Men “a” and “b” 3 hand left hand star with 2nd couples “a” and “b”.
A2 1 – 8 1st couples “a” and “b” whole straight hey for four, passing partner left shoulder to begin, and finishing in partner’s original place facing 2nd couples.(Men still have partner on their right)
B1 1 – 4 1st couples and 2nd couples circle left half way and change places with partner, turning right to face the centre;
  5 – 8 2nd Men lead the opposite 2nd Women up or down a little, separate from them and cast back to their original places, at the same time 1st couples move forward to the centre and back to back right shoulder with opposite in the centre.
B2 1 – 4 1st couples circle left with the other 1st couples, while the 2nd couples turn partners with both hands;
  5 – 8 1st couples fall back (Men away from opposite Men, Women from opposite Women on a line diagonal to the set) and move forward again, while the 2nd couples half figure 8 through 1st couples.
C 1 – 4 Partners side right shoulder;
  5 – 6 All turn partner with both hands half way and face centre;
  7 – 8 1st couples take two chassé steps down the room, while 2nd couples do the same up the room. Progression.

Note:
While neutral, couples should form a line of 4 with the opposite couple and face up or down the set.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Emperor

Tune: ‘De Keiser’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Longways set for four couples – Triple Time

Minuet step throughout, one minuet step takes two bars of music.

3rd & 4th couples improper
A1 1 – 8 In fours at each end of the set, circle left. End couples cast into middle places, while middle couples lead into end places and three–quarters turn single away from partner (Men left, Women right).
A2 1 – 8 New end couples pass partner right shoulder, but do not turn, move backwards on a small anticlockwise arc into partner’s place to face partner again; and repeat to places. At the same time middle couples do the same movement with neighbours beside them
B1 1 – 4 Middle couples circle left half way, while end couples turn partner with both hands;
5 – 7 Middle couples fall back with neighbour to side (head*) places, while end couples lead partner to middle; All honour opposite in lines across the room (longways lines*).
8 – 15 The end dancers in each line cast to the top or bottom (ends*) of the original set and lead back to the middle, at the same time middle couples circle left in the middle, then cast to the nearest end. (End couples take 3 minuet steps for casting and meeting and one minuet step to lead in, while middle couples take three minuet steps to circle left and one minuet step for casting to the ends.)
B2 1 – 7 New middle couples right hand star one place, and left hand turn neighbours at the ends of the set; All honour those they have just turned.
8 – 15 Middle couples make a back ring and circle right three–quarters (clockwise) and turn single right to face partner and honour, while end couples cast to the side places (end places*) (Men cast left, Women right), where they meet opposites; left hand turn with opposite and honour opposite.
The set is now in lines across the room.
Top
  M2 M4 W4 W2  
  W3 W1 M1 M3  

Repeat the dance with new partner in this formation; the set will then be upside down.
Repeat the dance twice more and all will be home.

* Differences between 2nd and 4th times through and 1st and 3rd times are shown in italics.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


An English Air

Tune: ‘Een engels Voijsje’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Set of two trios – Reel
One Man with two partners facing each other
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All move forward and fall back without giving hands.
A2 1 – 4 All move forward and fall back again without giving hands.
B1 1 – 4 Each Man goes back to back right shoulder with opposite Woman diagonally right (M1 + W2L, M2 + W1L);
  5 – 8 Each Man, with both Women to his left, circles three once round to left (M1 + W1L + W2R, M2 + W2L + W1R).
B2 1 – 4 Each Man goes back to back left shoulder with opposite Woman diagonally left (M1 + W2R, M2 + W1R);
  5 – 8 Each Man, with both Women to his right, circles three once round to right (M1+ W1R + W2L, M2 + W2R + W1L), finishing with Men in home place facing the Women with whom he has just circled.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 All move forward to make lines of three, each Man coming shoulder to shoulder with both Women to his right (a type of siding for three), all fall back turning so that the women face the other Man and each Man faces the other two Women;
A2 1 – 4 All move forward to make lines of three, each Man with both Women to his left, all fall back to place.
B1 1 – 4 Men right hand turn with left hand partner (M1 + W1L, M2 + W2L), while right hand Women half right hand turn to change places and turn single left;
  5 – 8 Men left hand turn with Woman now on his right (M1 + W2R, M2 + W1R), while left hand Women half left hand turn to change places and turn single right. Women are now with opposite Man.
B2 1 – 4 Men right hand turn with Woman now on his left (M1 + W2L, M2 + W1L), while right hand Women half right hand turn to change places and turn single left;
  5 – 8 Men left hand turn with right hand partner (M1 + W1R, M2 + W2R), while left hand Women half left hand turn to change places and turn single right.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Men go right for right hand star for three (M1 + W1R + W2L, M2 + W2R + W1L), ending in original place.
A2 1 – 4 Men go left for left hand star for three (M1 + W1L + W2R, M2 + W2L + W1R), ending in original place.
B1 1 – 6 Men hey for three with both Women on his right passing left hand opposite Woman (M1 + W2L, M2 + W1L) by the left, the two right hand Women (W1R + W2R) start by casting right out of the preceding star;
  7 – 8 Women cross right shoulder with co–partner on their own side of the set (W1R + W1L, W2R + W2L), while the Men pass each other right shoulder continuing round on a clockwise track into B2 (almost a three–quarter gypsy).
B2 1 – 6 Men, passing own original left hand partner right shoulder, hey with her and the other opposite Woman;
  7 – 8 Women cross left shoulder to original place, while Men cross left shoulder to original place.
Fourth Figure
A1 1 – 4 All join hands with partners and move forward and fall back.
A2 1 – 4 All move forward and fall back again.
B1 1 – 4 Releasing hands with left partner, each Man leads both Women on his right out, (M1 + W1R + W2L, M2 + W2R + W1L), Men turn left while Women turn inwards and all lead back;
  5 – 8 Releasing left hands, each Man again leads both Women on his right out, (M1 + W2L + W2R, M2 + W1L + W1R), Men turn left while Women turn inwards and all lead back;
B2 1 – 8 Continue this movement round the set anticlockwise until the Men are in their original place. At the end each man brings both partners slightly in front of him to honour them.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Errol on the Green

Tune: A traditional, B © Pat Shaw, 1972
Recording: Dutch Callers’ Choice – Triple Time
The next dance is… – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Three–couple progressive Longways Set – Reel
Double step should be used throughout
A1 1 – 8 All dance a complete Morris hey plus one extra change, ending with 1st couple in middle place, 2nd and 3rd couples turning outwards in end places to continue into:
A2 1 – 8 Two straight heys across the set, 1st Man passing the 3rd Woman by the left shoulder to hey with the 3rd couple and 1st Woman passing the 2nd Man by the left shoulder to hey with the 2nd couple.
B 1 – 4 1st couple set right and left to 1st corners (1st Man to 3rd Woman and 1st Woman to 2nd Man) and turn them with right hand once round.
  5 – 8 1st couple turn each other with left hand to own sides, where they turn single right (like a small cast) to face 2nd corners.
  9 – 12 1st couple set right and left to 2nd corners (1st Man to 2nd Woman and 1st Woman to 3rd Man) and turn them with left hand once round.
  13 – 16 1st couple turn each other with right hand to own sides and lead down to the bottom place, 3rd couple casting up to 2nd place.

Repeat dance twice.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Farmer

Tune: ‘De Boer’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Longways set for three couples – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All lead partner up a double and fall back.
A2 1 – 4 All fall back away from partner and move forward.
B1 1 – 4 Men face up, Women face down, all move forward a double and cast left individually back to original place (double step);
  5 – 8 All half right hand turn with partner and turn single left (walking step).
B2 1 – 4 Men face up, Women face down, all move forward a double and cast right to place (double step);
  5 – 8 All half left hand turn with partner and turn single right.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners side right shoulder.
A2 1 – 4 All fall back away from partner and move forward.
B1 1 – 4 Top two Men, joining inside hands and making an arch, bottom two Women doing likewise, they dance (double step) clockwise half way round the set passing over 1st Woman and 3rd Man who dance (double step) anticlockwise half way round under the arches;
  5 – 8 1st couple with 2nd Man circle left, while 3rd couple with 2nd Woman do likewise.
B2 1 – 4 Bottom two Women, joining inside hands and making an arch, top two Men doing likewise, they dance (double step) anticlockwise half way round passing over 1st Man and 3rd Woman who dance (double step) half way round under the arches;
  5 – 8 1st couple with 2nd Woman circle left, while 3rd couple with 2nd Man do likewise. All are now in original place.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners right hand turn.
A2 1 – 4 All fall back away from partner and move forward.
B1 1 – 4 1st couple, facing partner, and 2nd couple facing 3rd couple, passing right shoulder to start, all 3 changes of circular hey (double step);
  5 – 8 1st couple, followed by 2nd couple (who turn out: M2 turn right, W2 turn left) and 3rd couple, lead up the middle to original place improper (walking step).
B2 1 – 4 3rd couple facing partner, 1st couple facing 2nd couple, and passing right shoulder to start, all 3 changes of circular hey (double step);
  5 – 8 3rd couple, followed by 2nd couple (who turn out as before) and 1st couple, lead down the middle to original place (walking step).
All honour partner.

Note:
The first 4 bars of every B music should be danced with a double step, the rest of the dance with a walking step.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Farmers’ Dance

Tune: ‘Dans voor Boeren en Boerinnen’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: As many square sets as will – Gavotte
Couples 1 & 3 are head couples
Couples 2 & 4 are side couples
A1 1 – 8 “Grand Square”. Head couples meet in centre (2 bars); fall back to side places with opposites (2 bars): separate from opposites (2 bars); and forward to meet partners, while side couples separate from partners (2 bars); meet opposites in head places (2 bars); meet partners in centre (2 bars); and fall back with partners (2 bars).
A2 1 – 8 Reverse the above, side couples meeting first and head couples separating.
B1 1 – 2 Head couples meet in centre, while side couples wheel round anticlockwise to face side couples behind;
  3 – 10 All circle left and right with facing couple
(Footing: | R L R – | L R L – | R L R – | L – R – | L R L – | R L R – | L R L – | R – L – | )
  11 – 14 All pass opposite right shoulder, turning back to partner (Men turn left, Women turn right), move backwards past partner passing right shoulder;
  15 – 18 All back to back right shoulder with opposite, head couples falling back to original pposite couples’ places, side couples wheeling round anticlockwise on the last bar into places in new sets.
B2 1 – 18 Repeat B1, head couples and side couples reversing roles.

Note:
In B1 and B2 the “neutral” couple set to partner right and left, turn partner with both hands clockwise and anticlockwise with footing as given above, then back to back right shoulder and left shoulder with partner.
Apart from the “Stepping” in B1 + B2, this should be done with a walking step. As the tune is a gavotte, the first step will be taken on the right foot on the up beat.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Flowers of Chirk (Blodau’r Waun)

Tune: Any 64 bar reel, e.g. Machynlleth, or 2 x 32 bar reels.
Recording: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
Formation: Square sets of four couples – Reel
A1 1 – 8 Circle of eight left; all to the centre and back.
A2 1 – 8 Circle of eight right; all to the centre and back.
B1 1 – 8 Couples 1 and 2 (also Couples 3 and 4) gallop across and back.
B2 1 – 8 Couples 1 and 4 (also Couples 3 and 2) gallop across and back.
C1 1 – 8 Men 1 and 3 link left arms and, taking partner’s inside hand, dance once round (anticlockwise) arching over the others.
C2 1 – 8 Men 1 and 3 link right arms and, taking inside hands with their corner ladies on their left, repeat the arching clockwise.
D1 1 – 8 Grand chain all the way round.
D2 1 – 8 All swing partners.

This should be danced four times through:

First time: as given above.
Second time: the side Men (2 and 4) lead in C1 and C2 (and, if you wish, reverse the order of B1 and B2 – though this is not really necessary).
Third time: as the first time but, if you like, substitute baskets of four for thegalloping in B1 and B2.
Fourth time: as for the second time, but with baskets again.

Published in Something Old, Something New (Hen a Newydd)

Links:


Four Winds

Tune: Four Winds © Pat Shaw, 1972
Recordings: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Three couple Longways Set – 3/2 and Jig
A1 1 – 4 1st couple turn with right hands once around and cast a place (walking step) (2nd couple move up)
  5 – 8 1st and 3rd couples circle left half way round and change places with partner (or turn partner with both hands half way).
A2 1 – 4 1st couple turn with left hands once around and cast up a place (walking step) (3rd couple move down)
  5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples circle left half way round and change places with partner (or turn partner with both hands half way).
B1 1 – 2 1st couple, taking inside hands, lead down into 2nd place and 1st Man wheels his partner round clockwise, so that they are facing up improper, while 2nd couple move up and turn in to face down.
  3 – 4 1st Man with 2nd Woman, 1st Woman with 2nd Man and 3rd couple with each other, back to back right shoulder.
  5 – 6 Turn the same person with both hands once round increasing speed slightly into…
  7 – 8 Circle six to the left half way round.
B2 1 – 4 1st couple lead up to top of set through 3rd couple and cast to the bottom. On bar 2, 2nd couple move up one place and (on bars 3 and 4) circle with 3rd couple half way round.
  5 – 8 1st couple, now at bottom of set, cross over right shoulder with each other and move up outside 3rd couple, who move down, cross again right shoulder in the middle place and move up outside 2nd couple, who move down, to top place.
Straight into change of rhythm (double step)
C1 1 – 8 1st couple right hand turn once round, cast, lead through the 3rd couple and cast back to top place, followed by 3rd and 2nd couples.
C2 1 – 8 1st couple lead down between 3rd couple (now in 2nd place), go outside 2nd couple (now in 3rd place), meet and lead up the middle to top place, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples. 1st couple cast into 2nd place, 2nd couple continuing up to top place.
D1 1 – 8 1st couple stand still in centre. “Four Winds” – double figure 8 round 1st couple; 2nd couple start by casting, 3rd couple start by crossing up centre between 1st couple.
D2 1 – 4 2nd couple continue straight into a cast into the middle place (or cast to the bottom of the set below 3rd couple and move up into middle place), while 1st couple lead up into top place and cast to bottom of set, while 3rd couple lead up to the top place and turn out (walking step).
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples circle left half way round and turn partner with both hands half way round (or cross over with partner), while 1st couple turn partner with both hands once round (walking step).

Repeat dance twice.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Freda’s Fancy

Tunes: Freda’s Farewell to Cecil Sharp House © Pat Shaw, 1949
Hope for South Africa © Pat Shaw, 1949
Recordings: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Jig or Reel
A1 1 – 4 Partners, taking inside hands, lead forward to opposite couple and back (walking step).
  5 – 8 All take one side step diagonally forward to the right and then promenade round the opposite couple to original place (improper) but facing in the opposite direction, (double step).
A2 1 – 8 Repeat A1, but leading forward and back to the couple originally behind, finishing in own places facing in the original direction.
B 1 – 8 All reel of 3 (hey) with the persons directly in front and behind, looping to the right round the person in front and left round the person behind (double step).
  9 – 12 Taking inside hands with partner, all forward to opposite couple and back (walking step).
  13 – 16 Crossed hands swing with partner on to next couple, (double step).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Gay Gaddabout

Tune: The Gay Gaddabout © Pat Shaw, 1972
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Not Quite Shaw – West Kirby Folk Dance Band (tape)
Formation: Three couple longways set – Jig
A1 1 – 4 Joining right hands, 1st couple lead down the middle below 2nd and 3rd couples, while 2nd and 3rd couples fall back and move forward again.
  5 – 8 With a pull of the right hand, 1st couple cross over with partner and skip back outside the set into partner’s place, while 2nd and 3rd couples Circle Left once round with a slipping step.
A2 1 – 8 1st couple facing partner, 2nd couple facing down, 3rd couple facing up, all dance a Circular Hey (i.e. without hands) or a Grand Chain (i.e. giving hands in passing), all the way round with a skipping or skip change of step.
B 1 – 4 1st couple move down the middle and dance a Half Figure 8 through 3rd couple, finishing proper in 2nd place, 2nd couple moving up on bars 3 and 4.
  5 – 8 All Right Hand Star, 1st man with 3rd couple, 1st lady with 2nd couple.
  9 – 12 All Left Hand Star, 1st man with 2nd couple, 1st lady with 3rd couple, finishing with 1st couple in the middle place, all proper. (1st couple should pass left shoulder with partner to change from one star into the other.)
  13 – 16 All Set Right and Left forward towards partner, then 1st couple move down into the bottom place and turn outwards, (man right, lady left) while 3rd couple cast up into the middle place and 2nd couple Turn Single, man to the left, lady to the right, in the top place.

REPEAT the dance twice more when all should be home.

Note:
This should be brisk and lively and should have gay abandon (or should we say Gay’s abandon?) The A music should be danced with the steps as indicated and the whole of the B music with a skipping or skip change of step, except for the last 4 bars which should be walked.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Gladys’s Galop

Tune: Gladys’s Galop © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recordings: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Shades of Shaw, Dunant’s Favourites – Dutch Comfort
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Reel
1st couples improper, if preferred
A1 1 – 2 1st couple galop down between 2nd couple, who galop up on the outside at the same time.
  3 – 4 2nd couple galop back to place down between 1st couple, who galop up on the outside to place.
  5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples circle left once round (walking step).
A2 1 – 4 Repeat A1 1 – 4, but beginning with 2nd couple galoping up between 1st couple.
  5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples circle right once round (walking step).
B 1 – 2 Taking inside hands with neighbour, all fall back away from partner (walking step).
  3 – 4 Turn neighbour with both hands half way round (walking step).
  5 – 8 All move forward into back to back with partner (walking step). All are now in progressed places.
C 1 – 8 Double figure 8, 2nd couple casting down crossing up the middle, casting and crossing again to progressed places, while 1st couple cross up the middle, cast down, cross and cast again to progressed places, (single step or double step).
Ideally, whoever is crossing from the right (from the Women’s side) should pass in front of partner.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Greeting

Tune: ‘Ick ben gegroet van’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: Not Quite Dutch – West Kirby Folk Dance Band (tape)
Formation: Longways set for three couples – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All lead partner up a double and fall back;
  5 – 8 All lead up again and cast individually away from partner (Men left, Women right) to original place;
  9 – 10 Turn partner with both hands half way.
A2 1 – 4 All lead partner down a double and fall back;
  5 – 8 All lead down again and cast individually away from partner (Men left, Women right) to place;
  9 – 10 Turn partner with both hands half way.
B1 1 – 2 1st couple three–quarters right hand turn,
  3 – 4 3rd couple do the same;
  5 – 6 2nd couple do the same,
  7 – 8 All turn single right moving into partner’s place;
  9 – 12 All balance back and change places with partner passing right shoulder.
B2 1 – 2 3rd couple three–quarters left hand turn,
  3 – 4 1st couple do the same;
  5 – 6 2nd couple do the same,
  7 – 8 All turn single left into partner’s place;
  9 – 12 All balance and cross over as before.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners side right shoulder;
  5 – 8 Partners back to back right shoulder;
  9 – 10 Turn partner with both hands half way.
A2 1 – 4 Partners side left shoulder;
  5 – 8 Partners back to back left shoulder;
  9 – 10 Turn partner with both hands half way.
B1 1 – 2 1st Man and 2nd Woman right hand turn half way and keep hands joined and raised,
  3 – 4 2nd Man and 3rd Woman do the same;
  5 – 6 1st Woman and 3rd Man change places, crossing right shoulder under the arches,
  7 – 8 All left hand turn half way with new partner (M1 + W3, M2 + W1, M3 + W2);
  9 – 12 The bottom two couples fall back towards the wall and move forward again, while the top couple (M3 + W2) lead down the middle to bottom place.
B2 1 – 2 3rd Man and 1st Woman left hand turn half way and keep hands joined and raised,
  3 – 4 2nd Man and 3rd Woman do the same;
  5 – 6 1st Man and 2nd Woman change places, crossing left shoulder under the arches,
  7 – 8 All right hand turn half way with original partner;
  9 – 12 2nd couple and 3rd couple fall back to the wall and move forward, while 1st couple lead up the middle to the top. All are now in original place.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners right hand turn;
  5 – 8 Men face up, Women face down, all move forward a double and cast left individually back to original place;
  9 – 10 Turn partner with both hands half way.
A2 1 – 4 Partners left hand turn;
  5 – 8 Men face up, Women face down, all move forward a double and cast right individually;
  9 – 10 Turn partner with both hands half way. (The moving up and down and casting back is similar to that in B1 + B2 1st Figure of The Farmer)
B1 1 – 2 2nd couple turn partner with both hands half way,
  3 – 4 All turn partner with both hands half way; (2nd couple have in fact done a whole turn with 1st and 3rd couples joining in on the second half);
  5 – 8 All circle left half way;
  9 – 12 All balance back and move forward and 2nd couple turn with both hands half way, while 1st couple and 3rd couple turn single (M1 + W3 right, M3 + W1 left).
B2 1 – 2 1st and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands half way,
  3 – 4 All turn partner with both hands half way; (1st and 3rd couples have turned once);
  5 – 8 All circle left half way;
  9 – 12 All balance back and move forward and 1st and 3rd couples turn with both hands half way, while 2nd couple turn single right. All honour partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Halsway Sicilian

Tune: As Luck will have it © Pat Shaw, c. 1970
Recordings: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
More from Dan’s Hall – The Dancehall Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Reel
A 1 – 4 Taking inside hands with partner, all lead forward to opposite couple and back.
  5 – 8 All circle left half way round and cross right shoulder with opposite (do not turn round, but face new couple).
  9 – 12 Taking inside hands with partner, all lead forward to this opposite couple and back.
  13 – 16 All circle left half way round and cross right shoulder with opposite (do not turn round, but face original opposite couple).
B 1 – 4 All back to back with original opposite.
  5 – 8 All back to back with partner.
  9 – 12 All half pousette with partner (Men pushing to begin with) to change places with original opposite couple.
  13 – 16 Taking ballroom hold, all swing partner.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Hamburger Special

Tune: McDonald’s Reel, traditional
Recording: Barn Dance Fiesta – Ring o’ Bells Band
Pat Shaw and More – Triple Time
Formation: Duple minor longways – Reel
A 1 – 2 1st couple turn three–quarters with both hands into a diagonal line of three with 2nd woman, 1st man between the two women.
  3 – 4 They all face 2nd man, make a double arch and balance.
  5 – 8 Arches move forward and back, while 2nd man goes back–to–back right shoulder with 1st man, under the arches.
B 1 – 4 All circle once round to the left, finishing with 1st couple improper in the top place and 2nd couple in original place.
  5 – 8 1st couple half figure–eight through 2nd couple and lead down centre into progressed place, 2nd couple casting up.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Hard Times

Tune: ‘O ongelukkige Tijt’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: Pat Shaw and More – Triple Time
Formation: Three couples in line, partners facing – Waltz
Minuet step throughout
A1 1 – 4 Facing partner, all one minuet step to right moving slightly forward, one minuet step to left moving forward and arriving back to back with partner;
  5 – 8 1st Man and 2nd Woman right hand turn, while 2nd Man and 3rd Woman do the same, and 1st Woman and 3rd Man on the ends take one minuet step forward turning right and another forward to meet partner.
  9 – 16 Repeat the above, (M2 + W1 and M3 + W2 doing the right hand turn, while M1 + W3 turn about on the ends).
A2 1 – 4 All take two minuet steps forward diagonally to the left, at the same time turning single three–quarters left, to face partner again.
  5 – 8 All right hand turn three–quarters with partner to original place;
  9 – 12 All take two minuet steps diagonally forward to right, at the same time turning single three–quarters right, to face partner;
  13 – 16 All left hand turn three–quarters with partner to original place.
B1 1 – 8 1st and 3rd couples lead partner out to Man’s left (up the room) two minuet steps, change hands and lead back, while 2nd couple do the same to the Man’s right (down the room);
  9 – 16 2nd Man and 1st Woman gypsy once and a half anticlockwise (left shoulder) with four minuet steps, while 3rd Man and 2nd Woman gypsy once and a half clockwise (right shoulder); at the same time 1st Man and 3rd Woman continue forward to meet each other in the middle, cross (W3 in front) between the other couples and move into each other’s place (like half a big figure 8).
B2 1 – 8 New partners (M1 + W2, M3 + W1, M2 + W3) lead out the way they are facing (middle couple up, outer couples down), change hands and lead back;
  9 – 16 Same partners turn with both hands, ending in a straight line.

Repeat the dance twice.

Note:
In all turns in this dance, let go hands in plenty of time to prepare for the next movement.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Harlequin

Tune: ‘Harlequin’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Duple minor longways – Jig
A1 1 – 4 1st corners change places passing right shoulders and turning right; 2nd corners the same passing left shoulders and turning left;
  5 – 8 1st couple slip up the middle, while 2nd couple cast down; 2nd couple slip up the middle, while 1st couple cast down.
A2 1 – 4 Original 2nd corners change places passing left shoulders and turning left; 1st corners the same passing right shoulders and turning right;
5 – 8 1st couple slip down and cast up, while 2nd couple cast up and slip down.
B1 1 – 8 1st couple turn partner with both hands half way; then 2nd couple turn partner with both hands half way; all circle left half way and back – slip step;
  9 – 16 Original 1st corners half left hand turn; 2nd corners half right hand turn; Partners turn once with both hands.
B2 1 – 8 The two Men turn with both hands halfway then the two Women turn with both hands halfway: all circle left half way and back as before;
  9 – 12 Original 2nd corners change places passing left shoulders and turning left, change back left shoulders and turning left, while, immediately after (almost simultaneously) interweaving with the others, 1st corners change places passing right shoulder and turning right, change back right shoulder and turning right;
  13 – 16 All, giving right hand to partner to start three changes of a circular hey, passing partner with right hand, neighbour left hand, and partner right hand again into progressed places.

The last 8 bars should be danced with single or double step.

Note:
All corners from M1 to W2 places cross right shoulders and all corners from M2 to W1 places cross left shoulders throughout the dance.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Heidenröslein

Tune: Heidenöslein – Heinrich Werner, 1800–1833
Recordings: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Nightcap – Bare Necessities
Formation: Four–couple Square Set – Waltz
A 1 – 4 All turn partner with right hand once round.
  5 – 8 All turn corner with left hand once round.
  9 – 12 Men right hands across three–quarters round.
  13 – 16 Women left hands across three–quarters round and fall back into new place. (Head couples in side places – all opposite partner).
B 1 – 4 Men two chassé steps to the right behind Women, who take two chassé steps to the left, and then step and honour that person. (Turn individually to face in opposite direction).
  5 – 8 Men facing anticlockwise and Women facing clockwise, two changes of a grand chain, starting right hand and passing original partner by the left hand.
  9 – 12 Taking ballroom hold, Men waltz the next Woman to his original place.

Repeat dance three times.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Helen’s Fancy (Hoffedd Helen)

Tune: Any slow hornpipe such as “Waltzing Matilda” or “Twll Bach y Clo” – Hornpipe
Formation: Couples facing couple round the room
1 – 2 Tap the left toe behind, the left heel in front, the left toe to the right of the right foot and the left heel in front again. (This is similar to a well–known clog step but done much slower).
3 – 4 Walk forwards starting with the left foot, (with apologies to Victor Sylvester) SLOW, SLOW, QUICK, QUICK, SLOW.
5 – 6 As in 1 – 2 but with right foot.
7 – 8 As in 3 – 4 starting with the right foot.
9 – 10 Chassé forward and to the left, step, close, step and the same thing to the right.
11 – 12 Turn out away from partners with four slow walking steps.
13 – 14 Sidestep to the left (step, close, step) and back to the right.
15 – 16 Turn partners with the left hand, the men going forward to the new lady in front, the ladies going to the new man originally behind them.

Links:


Helwiggery

Tune: Helwiggery © Pat Shaw, 1975
Formation: Four–couple longways Set – Jig
3rd and 4th couple improper
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All forward and back to partner.
  5 All set once (men to right, women to left).
  6 – 7 All turn single (men to left, women to right).
A2 1 – 8 1st and 2nd couples lead up with inside hands joined, while 3rd and 4th couples lead down with inside hands joined. All turn, change hands and lead back.
  5 All set to partner (men to left, women to right).
  6 – 7 All turn single (men to right, women to left).
B1 1 – 4 2nd and 3rd couples (middle couples) circle left half–way and cross with partner right shoulder to face same couple, while 1st and 4th couples fall back away from partner and come forward and
clap 5 turn to face centre of set, while 2nd and 3rd couples pass neighbour left shoulder.
  6 – 9 1st and 2nd couples and 3rd and 4th couples circle left half–way and all cross right shoulder with partner.
B2 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples (middle couples) circle left half–way and cross with partner right shoulder to face same couple, while 2nd and 3rd couples fall back away from partner and come forward and
clap 5 turn to face centre of set, while 1st and 4th couples pass neighbour left shoulder.
  6 – 9 1st and 2nd couples and 3rd and 4th couples circle left half–way and all cross right shoulder with partner to original places.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 7 All forward side–by–side right shoulder to right shoulder with partner and fall back to place, set right and turn single left.
A2 1 – 7 All forward side–by–side left shoulder to left shoulder with partner and fall back to place, set left and turn single right.
B1 1 – 4 2nd and 3rd couples half straight–hey (four changes), started by 2nd woman and 3rd woman passing right shoulder and 2nd man and 3rd man moving slightly to their right. On last change of hey 2nd man with 3rd woman and 3rd man with 2nd woman make a complete loop to their left round each other, while 1st couple and 4th couple back–to–back right shoulder with partner, finishing:
Top
1M     1W
2W     2M
3M     3W
4W     4M
clap 5 – 9 1st and 2nd couples and 3rd and 4th couples three–quarter double–figure–eight, starting by 1st and 4th couples casting and 2nd and 3rd couples crossing, finishing in neighbour’s place (in diagonal position from original place, 1st and 2nd couples now improper, 3rd and 4th couples proper).
2W     2M
1W     1M
4M     4W
3M     3W
B2 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples half straight–hey (four changes) started by 1st man and 4th man passing right shoulder and 1st woman and 4th woman moving slightly to their right. On last change of hey, 1st man with 4th woman and 4th man with 1st woman make a complete loop to their left round each other, while 2nd and 3rd couples back–to–back right shoulder with partner, finishing:
2W     2M
1M     1W
4W     4M
3M     3W
clap 5 – 9 1st and 2nd couples and 3rd and 4th couples three–quarter double–figure–eight, starting by 2nd and 3rd couples casting and 1st and 4th couples crossing, finishing in original places.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 7 All right–hand turn with partner, set right and turn single left.
A2 1 – 7 All left–hand turn with partner, set left and turn single right.
B1 1 – 4 2nd and 3rd couples right–hand star once round, while 1st and 4th couples turn partner once round with right hands.
clap 5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples, and 3rd and 4th couples left–hand star once round.
  9 1st and 2nd couples change places, each with neighbour passing left shoulder, while 3rd and 4th couples the same.
B2 1 – 4 1st and 4th couples (now in middle position) right–hand star once round, while 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner once round with right hand.
clap 5 – 8 1st and 2nd couples, and 3rd and 4th couples left–hand star once round.
  9 All change place with neighbour, passing left shoulder, to original place.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Heswall and West Kirby Jubilee

Tune: Heswall and West Kirby Jubilee © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recordings: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Not Quite Playford – West Kirby FDB
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Four couple Longways Set – Reel
Two couples side by side facing two couples, Men with partner on their right.
A1 1 – 4 All back to back with opposite (walking step).
  5 – 8 Taking ballroom hold, all swing partner (pivot step).
A2 1 – 8 Men, with right arm round partner’s waist, join left hands in the centre to make a double star, which goes once round (star promenade – walking step).
B 1 – 4 All four ladies’ chain half way (walking step).
  5 – 8 Ladies’ chain half way with opposite couple across the set (1st Man and new partner face 4th Man and new partner; 2nd Man and new partner face 3rd Man with new partner).
C 1 – 4 All circle 4 with opposite couple (the same couple with whom you did the ladies’ chain).
  5 – 8 Men, taking ballroom hold, swing the Woman on their right, who becomes their partner for the next round (finish facing up and down the hall with lines across at right angles to the way you started).

Dance repeated three times: second and fourth round of dance facing up and down the hall, third, as first, in longways formation.
N.B. The back to back in A1 1 – 4 is with your partner of the previous round of the dance.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


I Have a Song to Sing

Tune: ‘Nu wil ik een liedeke zingen’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recordings: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Duple minor longways – Jig
Double Progression
Introduction
A1 1 – 6 All lead partner up a double and fall back and turn partner with both hands half way.
A2 1 – 6 All fall back away from partner, set right and left moving forward and change places with partner, passing left shoulder and turning single half way to the right at the same time.
Progressive Figure
A1 1 – 6 Circle left half way and fall back away from partner, come forward and change places with partner, passing right shoulder, but turning left straight into the next movement. (First progression)
A2 1 – 6 Moving on to the next couple, left hand star half way, turn single right and turn partner with both hands half way. (Second progression)
(The neutral couple may join in doing half left hand turn with partner instead of half left hand star).

Repeat the above progressive figure as often as desired, and then finish with the introduction.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Jan Ulrich Christian

Tune: ‘Jan Ulrich Christiaen’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Longways set for 8 couples – Gavotte
Double step throughout, starting (as the tune is a Gavotte) on the up–beat with right left – the right hop coming on the down beat of the next bar
A1 1 – 8 Double cast to bottom, odd numbered couples to the left, even numbered couples to the right, and come back up the middle in fours (1st + 2nd couples together, 3rd + 4th couples, 5th + 6th couples and 7th + 8th couples).
A2 1 – 8 Facing partner and passing right shoulder to begin, each four half straight hey for four (four changes); then all swing partner with crossed hands, finishing facing the nearest line of four (couples 1, 2, 5 + 6 facing down, couples 3, 4, 7 + 8 facing up).
B1 1 – 8 Opposite couples circle left half way (1st + 3rd couples, 2nd + 4th couples, 5th + 7th couples, 6th + 8th couples) and pass opposite right shoulder moving on to face as follows: 1st + 2nd couples face, 3rd + 5th couples face, 4th + 6th couples face and 7th + 8th couples face. In this position all left hand star in fours;
9 – 16 With the same couple all circle right half way and pass opposite left shoulder, moving on to face as before, 1st + 3rd couples face, 2nd + 4th, 5th + 7th and 6th + 8th. In this position all right hand star in fours.
B2 1 – 8 With these same groups of two couples, all half Ladies Chain (Scottish style) as follows:
Women pass giving right hands and then give left hands to the opposite Man, who has turned out to his left, all left hand turn with opposite, manoeuvring so that 3rd, 4th, 5th + 6th Men have their backs to the centre and the other Men are in the four corners, the set forming a big X, Women let go hands and pass each other right shoulders just before the end of the quarter phrase; All passing left shoulders with partner to start, half straight hey for four;
9 – 16 1st, 2nd, 7th + 8th Women, following their partners into a circle, circle left half way in the centre, while the other Women, following their partners, dance anticlockwise half way round the outside; All swing partner with crossed hands into longways formation in the following order: couples 6, 5, 8, 7, 2, 1 ,4, 3 (6th couple now being at the top).

Repeat the dance from these positions to bring all to original places.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Jim Morris–On

Tune: The Jim Morris–On © Pat Shaw, 1976
Formation: Any numbers of pairs of men facing up in a column – Reel
As in a country dance, the pairs should number off into 1s and 2s. As usual in a Morris dance, the left file are the odd numbers and the right file the evens.
A1 1 – 2 The 1st pairs, odds starting to the left, evens to the right, do an open sidestep away from the centre and another back in towards the centre, moving forward scarcely at all, while the 2nd pairs dance forward for two bars of 4/3 step between the 1sts. The arm movements for this should be Longborough or Headington circles with the leading hand for the side–step and with both hands for the 4/3 step. If preferred, use a Headington up and down swing for the latter.
  3 – 4 Repeat the above with the 2nd pairs doing the side–step and the 1st pairs advancing between the 2nds.
A2 1 – 4 Exactly as in A1.
B 1 – 4 Each group of four, i.e. each two pairs, follow each other half way round a clockwise circle (like a small Half Rounds), ending by turning left to face the wall; then all move backwards on to own sides passing “partners” left shoulder. For this, use either the usual Headington step sequence and arm movements or the Longborough one bar of step, feet together jump, and shuffle–back steps ending with a jump into new positions.
  5 – 8 Repeat the above movement, each pair dancing with the new pair above or below them and doing the half circle anticlockwise, turning right to face the wall and passing “partners” right shoulder into yet another new place. End facing up in column ready to start again.

Repeat the whole of the above as often as desired. In the B music, any neutral pair should do half of a Whole Gyp in the appropriate direction to match the circles, turning left or right like the other dancers to face the wall and return to place in exactly the same way as the others.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


John Raymond

Tune: John Raymond © Pat Shaw, date unknown
Formation: Three trios circle – Reel
One man with two partners
First Figure – “Rings”
A1 1 – 4 Facing centre, all take hands and Circle Left (slipping step).
  5 – 8 Each trio on its own, Circle Left once round (walking step).
A2 1 – 8 As in A1 reversing the direction of the circles. End with ladies facing out, men facing in.
B1 1 – 4 Men, passing under arches made by their partners, meet in the centre and turn to the right to make a back ring. Meanwhile ladies, raising inside hands, arch over their partners and turn out away from each other.
  5 – 8 The men’s Back Ring circles round once clockwise, while ladies turn their co–partners with both hands once round.
B2 1 – 4 Ladies facing in keep inside hands joined and arch over the men who come under the arches away from the centre; all Turn Single, men to the right, ladies away from each other.
  5 – 8 Each trio makes a Back Ring which circles once round clockwise. At the end all turn to the right to face partners, men facing in, ladies facing out.
Second Figure – “All On Your Own”
A3 1 – 4 All move forward into line with partners and fall back again.
  5 – 8 All move forward again past partners and with a clap on the fifth beat (optional) turn about, men to the right, ladies in towards each other.
A4 1 – 8 As in A3 back to places, i.e. men on the outside facing in, ladies on the inside facing out.
B3 1 – 4 Men dance round to their right, i.e. anticlockwise, in front of their right–hand partner, round behind the next lady and in front of the third lady ending half way round the set on the outside facing in (polka step).
  5 – 8 Ladies turning their backs on their co–partners, dance three changes of a Circular Hey (without hands) or Grand Chain (with hands) passing their neighbour by the right to begin (polka step).
B4 1 – 4 Men dance round to their left, i.e. clockwise, in front of their left–hand partner, behind the next lady and in front of the third to their original places.
  5 – 8 Ladies facing their co–partners whom they pass by the left, dance three changes of a Circular Hey or Grand Chain back to places. On the last two bars, the men move forward to the centre, turning to the right to face outwards.
Third Figure – “Stars”
A5 1 – 8 Each trio Right Hand Star once round; then men Left Hand Star in the centre once round, while ladies Right Hand Turn with co–partner once round.
A6 1 – 8 Trios Left Hand Star once round; then Men Right Hand Star in the centre once round while ladies Left Hand Turn with co–partner once round.
B5 1 – 4 All keeping hands joined as they are, men join left hands with their partners while ladies give right hands to their neighbours, thus forming a wheel with the left hand ladies facing outwards. The wheel moves round clockwise (polka step).
  5 – 8 With hands still joined, all Set Right and Left with a very small sideways movement, then, letting go hands, Turn Single half way round to the right and join hands again. This time the men will have left hands joined in the centre and right hands with partners and the right–hand ladies will be facing out.
B6 1 – 4 The wheel now moves round anticlockwise so that all return to places.
  5 – 8 All Set Right and Left as before and Turn Single to the right, men once and a quarter to face out, right–hand ladies who are facing out turn once and a half to face in and the left–hand ladies turn once only. All honour partners.

Note:
When the right or left–hand lady is referred to, this means the man’s right or left–hand partner. In B5 and B6 the men on the inside of the wheel must not travel too far or too fast. Throughout this dance pay careful attention to formation. The tune should be fairly lively but should still retain a feeling of respect.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


John Tallis’s Canon

Tune: John Tallis’s Canon © Pat Shaw, 1965
Recordings: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
Shades of Shaw, Dunant’s Favourites – Dutch Comfort
Favorites of the Boston Centre – Bare Necessities
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Duple Minor longways, in canon – Reel
First corners start, second corners start two bars later
A1 1 – 2 Meet each other.
  3 – 4 Fall back.
  5 – 6 Cross over passing right shoulder.
  7 – 8 Loop left.
A2 1 – 2 Meet each other.
  3 – 4 Fall back.
  5 – 6 Cross over passing right shoulder.
  7 – 8 Loop left.
B1 1 – 2 Right hand turn half way round.
  3 – 4 Right hands across half way round.
  5 – 6 Set right and left.
  7 – 8 Turn single right.
B2 1 – 2 Left hand turn half way round.
  3 – 4 Left hands across half way round.
  5 – 6 Fall straight back.
  7 – 8 Move forward diagonally to the right to the line of the dance only, into progressed place.*
A1 1 – 2 Meet new corner.
  3 – 4 Fall back (etc; etc.)

* First corners passing in front of second corners.

At the end of the last round of the dance, while the second corners are moving forward diagonally to their new places, the first corners turn single right in their new places. Two extra bars of music are provided for this; finishing with a chord for honours. This applies only to the last round of the dance to provide a satisfactory finish.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Johnny’s Quadrille

Tune: The Snoring Mrs Gobeil
Formation: Four–couple Square Set – Reel
A1 1 – 2 Head couples forward.
  3 – 4 Head couples back and side couples forward.
A2 1 – 2 Head couples forward and side couples back.
  3 – 4 Head couples back and side couples forward.
B1 1 – 4 Side couples fall back (bars 1 – 2), head couples pas–de–bas step across set to change places (ballroom hold).
  5 – 8 Side couples pas–de–bas step across set to change places.
B2 1 – 4 Head couples sashay across set to original places.
  5 – 8 Without a break, head couples change places with side couple on their right (2–step).
C1 1 – 4 Head couples (now in side places) half ladies’ chain across the set.
  5 – 8 Head couples (Men with new partner) half promenade OR two changes of rights and lefts across the set.
C2 1 – 4 Head couples half ladies’ chain with side couple on their right.
  5 – 8 Same couples half promenade OR two changes of rights and lefts.

Head couples lead the figure twice followed by side couples leading twice.

At the end of the first round of dance, Men are back in their places, but the Women have a new partner. (e.g. 1st Man with 4th Woman)

Repeat dance three times.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Joseph’s Jig or Jovial Joe

Tune: Joseph’s Jig © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recordings: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Still Not Quite Playford – West Kirby FDB (tape)
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Jig
A1 1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Woman set forward to each other and turn single right back to place, while 2nd Man and 1st Woman fall back away from each other and come forward (walking step).
  5 – 8 1st Man and 2nd Woman continue round the outside clockwise half way into each other’s place (single or double step), while 2nd Man and 1st Woman half left hand turn and turn single right into each other’s place (walking step). (They should allow the 1st Man and 2nd Woman to pass them before their turn single right).
A2 1 – 4 2nd Man and 1st Woman set forward and turn single left back to place, while 1st Man and 2nd Woman fall back from each other and come forward (walking step).
  5 – 8 2nd Man and 1st Woman continue round the outside anticlockwise to their original places (single or double step), while 1st Man and 2nd Woman half right hand turn and turn single left into their original places (walking step). (They should allow 2nd Man and 1st Woman to pass them before their turn single left).
B1 1 – 4 All circle left half way round and fall back away from partner (walking step).
  5 – 8 All cross over with partner giving right hands in passing and immediately start a left hand turn with neighbour (single or double step).
B2 1 – 4 All complete left hand turn with neighbour, then right hand turn with partner (single or double step).
  5 – 8 All back to back right shoulder with partner (walking step).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


K & E

Tune: K & E © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recording: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Hold the Mustard – Hold the Mustard
Formation: Double longways; Man having their partners on their right, 1st couple in centre with their backs to one another, facing 2nd couples. – Reel
 

Top

 
  M2 W1 M1 2W  
  | | | |  
  W2 M1 W1 2M  
A1 1 – 4 1st couples lead through 2nd couples and cast back to centre.
5 – 8 1st couples right–hand star once round in the centre.
A2 1 – 4 2nd couples lead through 1st couples and cast back to places.
5 – 8 2nd couples left–hand star once round with 1st couples.
B1 1 – 4 1st couples (straight from star) half ladies–chain with one and one–half turn at end to face 2nd couples.
  5 – 8 1st couples half ladies–chain with 2nd couples.
B2 1 – 4 1st and 2nd couples circle four three–quarters round to left. 1st couples change hands and face centre.
  5 – 8 1st couples circle four three–quarters round to left, moving down set to progressed places (single progression), while 2nd couples swing (or turn partner once and a half with both hands) moving up to progressed places (single progression). All turn to face new couple, facing as at first.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Katie the Nuisance

Tune: ‘Trijntje Lollepot’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Longways set for three couples – Reel
A1 1 – 4 1st couple, passing right shoulder, cross and move down outside 2nd couple (who move up) into the 2nd place;
5 – 8 1st couple turn with both hands ending improper in 2nd place.
A2 1 – 8 All circle left and right – slip step.
B1 1 – 2 1st and 3rd Men change places, while 1st and 2nd Women change places (at the same time), all passing right shoulder and turning right,
3 – 4 2nd and 3rd couples, making arches, cross to the other side of the set and face partner, while 1st couple go under the arches turning left to face partner;
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples turn with both hands once and three–quarters into end places proper, while 1st couple left hand turn in the middle ending in 2nd place improper – single or double step.
B2 1 – 2 1st and 2nd Men change places, while 1st and 3rd Women change places (at the same time), all passing left shoulder and turning left,
  3 – 4 2nd and 3rd couples, making arches, cross to the other side of the set and face partner, 1st couple passing under the arches and turning right to face partner;
  5 – 8 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands once and a quarter into end places proper, while 1st couple right hand turn in the middle ending in 2nd place improper– single or double step.
C1 1 – 8 1st Man, passing 3rd Man right shoulder, hey for 3 with 3rd couple, while 1st Woman, passing 2nd Woman right shoulder, hey for 3 with 2nd couple – single or double step.
C2 1 – 6 All hey for 3 on own sides – single or double step; (1st couple pass partner left shoulder in centre and 1st Man casts left round his original place, while 1st Woman casts left round 3rd Woman’s original place. At the same time, 2nd and 3rd Men pass right shoulder and 2nd and 3rd Women pass right shoulder).
  7 – 8 1st couple lead down into 3rd place, while 3rd couple continue up outside to 2nd place.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Kennedys’ Rant

Tune: The Kennedys’ Rant and The Deck House Reel © Pat Shaw, 1964
Recordings: The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers (LP and tape)
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Reel
A1 1 – 2 Right hands across half way round (rant step).
  3 – 4 1st Woman and 2nd Man (2nd corners) dance on the spot (rant step), while 1st Man and 2nd Woman (1st corners) continue with half right hand turn (rant step).
  5 – 6 Left hands across half way round (rant step).
  7 – 8 1st Man and 2nd Woman (1st corners) dance on the spot (rant step), while 1st Woman and 2nd Man (2nd corners) continue with half left hand turn (rant step).
A2 1 – 4 Two changes of rights and lefts, right hand/shoulder with partner and left hand/shoulder with neighbour to original places (rant step).
  5 – 8 All swing partner (ballroom hold with pivot or rant step), finishing facing down the set, Men having Women on their right with right arm round partner’s waist and Women having their left hand on partner’s right shoulder (improper).
B1 1 – 4 Promenade down, each couple wheels round anticlockwise to face up (proper) (walking step).
  5 – 8 Promenade back (rant step). 1st couple cast a place, while 2nd couple promenade on into 1st couple’s place, finishing in a single straight line with Men standing back to back (2nd Man facing up and 1st Man facing down) and taking ballroom hold with partner.
B2 1 – 8 Couples dance once round each other anticlockwise to progressed places (rant step).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Kindly Shepherd

Tune: ‘De goedwillige Harder’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Set of two couples facing each other – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 2 Lead partner forward towards opposite couple;
  3 – 4 Fall back with opposite away from partner.
A2 1 – 2 Lead opposite forward towards partner;
  3 – 4 Fall back with partner to original place.
B1 1 – 4 1st couple lead through 2nd couple and cast back, while 2nd couple move forward outside 1st couple, meet and lead back;
  5 – 8 1st couple half figure 8 through 2nd couple, while 2nd couple cast out round 1st couple and cross going back through the middle all ending improper in partner’s place.
B2 1 – 4 2nd couple, turning in towards each other, lead through 1st couple and cast back, while 1st couple cast out outside 2nd couple meet and lead back;
  5 – 8 2nd couple half figure 8 through 1st couple, while 1st couple cast again round 2nd couple and cross going back through the middle, all ending in original place.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners forward side by side right shoulder and without pausing all cast left back to place, Men casting round each other (partners may glance or nod at each other as they pass).
A2 1 – 4 Opposites forward side by side left shoulder and without pausing all cast right back to place, Men casting round each other (opposites may glance or nod at each other as they pass).
B1 1 – 4 All back to back right shoulder with opposite;
  5 – 8 Half double figure 8, 1st Man and 2nd Woman start by casting and 2nd Man and 1st Woman start by crossing.
B2 1 – 4 All back to back left shoulder with opposite;
  5 – 8 Half double figure 8, 1st Man and 2nd Woman start by crossing and 2nd Man and 1st Woman start by casting.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners half right hand turn, drop hands and continue to place, Women passing right shoulder round each other.
A2 1 – 4 Opposites half left hand turn, drop hands and continue to place, Women passing left shoulder round each other.
B1 1 – 4 All right hand star three–quarters;
  5 – 8 Opposites gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) round each other, Women casting left to begin.
B2 1 – 4 All left hand star three–quarters;
  5 – 8 Opposites gypsy clockwise (right shoulder) round each other, Men casting right to begin. All honour partner.

Note:
Throughout the dance the A music and the first half of each B music should be done with a walking step, breaking into a single or double step for the last half of each B music.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Kitty Alone

Tune: Kitty Alone © Pat Shaw, 1976
Recording: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Formation: Two–couple set – Jig
First Figure
A1 1 – 8 All forward to meet the other couple, Set Right and Left and Turn Single to the right back to place, continuing forward to change places with contrary.
  9 – 16 All Circle Left once round with a slipping step; then Set Right and Left to partner and change places with partner, passing right shoulder.
A2 1 – 8 The two men Right Hand Turn half way round, and followed by their contrary, cast to the left into their partner’s original place; the men then Left Hand Turn half way round, and followed by their own partner, cast to their right, finishing where they were at the beginning of A2.
  9 – 16 All turn contrary once and a half times with both hands; Set Right and Left to partner, and change places with partner passing right shoulder.
Second Figure
A3 1 – 8 All pass partner left shoulder, and turning left to face (like the half–siding in Nonsuch), Set Right and Left to partner; then all gypsy clockwise round contrary, finishing in partner’s original place.
  9 – 16 Facing partner, all do three changes of a Circular Hey without giving hands (skipping step), turning right at the end to face the centre of the set; all Set Right and Left moving forward towards the centre and Turn Single to the right, remaining fairly close in to the centre.
A4 1 – 8 All fall back from the centre and come forward again into a Right Hand Star half way round, then all Turn Single to the left into original places.
  9 – 16 All Left Hand Star once round (skipping step); Set Right and Left towards the centre and Turn Single to the right back to places.
Third Figure
A5 1 – 8 All Right Hand Turn with partner half way round and Set Right and Left to partner; all Left Hand Turn with contrary once and a half, finishing with the ladies facing the wall and the men facing their partner’s back.
  9 – 16 Passing back to back with contrary, all take four slips to the left and four back again passing face to face; all Set Right and Left to contrary and Turn Single to the right.
A6 1 – 8 Giving both hands to contrary, all Half Poussette, the men pushing to start; all Circle Left once round.
  9 – 16 Giving both hands to partner, all Half Poussette again with the men pushing first; all Set Right and Left to partner and Turn Single to the right. All honour partners.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


The Koepoort Galliard

Tune: ‘Gaillarde Koepoort’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recordings: Not Quite Dutch – West Kirby FDB (tape)
A New English Ball – Bare Necessities
Formation: Square set for four couples – Triple Time
1st and 3rd couples are head couples
2nd and 4th couples are side couples
A1 1 – 2 Head couples meet in the centre and turn outward (Men left, Women right) to face sides,
  3 – 4 Head couples half figure 8 through the side couples ending in opposite’s place;
  5 – 6 Head couples pass partner right shoulder and three–quarters turn single to face centre (Men left, Women right),
  7 – 8 Head couples change places with opposite, passing right shoulder and turning outward away from partner (Men left, Women right), fall back into original places, passing right shoulder with partner.
A2 1 – 8 Side couples lead figure as in A1.
B1 1 – 2 All left hand turn with corner,
  3 – 4 Head couples right hand star half way, while side couples right hand turn with partner;
  5 – 6 All left hand turn with new corner,
  7 – 8 Side couples right hand star half way, while head couples right hand turn with partner.
B2 1 – 2 All gypsy anticlockwise (left shoulder) round corner,
  3 – 4 All back to back right shoulder with partner;
  5 – 8 Women right hand star in centre, pass partner, pick up next man with the inside hand (Women take Men’s right hand in their left) and all double star on to Man’s original place, finishing by Men wheeling new partner round anticlockwise into square formation.

Repeat the dance with new partner as above.
Then twice more (with side couples leading in A1 + B1 and head couples in A2, if desired.)

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


The Leiberts’ Wedding A Matrimonial Maggot

Tune: Various
Recording: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Formation: Three–couple longways set – Jig
A1 1 – 2 1st man sets right and left moving forward towards 1st woman.
  3 – 4 1st man falls back, while 1st woman turns single half–way, looks over her shoulder and beckons her partner to follow.
  5 – 8 1st couple, woman in the lead, dance round outside the 2nd woman into 2nd place improper, 2nd couple moving up.
A2 1 – 2 1st woman sets right and left moving forward towards 1st man.
  3 – 4 1st woman falls back, while 1st man turns single half–way, looks over his shoulder and beckons his partner to follow.
  5 – 8 1st couple, man in the lead, dance round outside 3rd woman into 3rd place proper, 3rd couple moving up.
B1 1 – 2 1st couple lead up between 3rd couple, who move down into their original place.
  3 – 6 2nd couple take 1st couple by inside hands and wheel them round through the top and back into middle place (as in “The Bishop“ B music, bars 1–4).
  7 – 10 3rd couple in the same way, wheel the 1st couple through the bottom back to middle place.
  11 – 12 1st couple lead up to the top place, 2nd couple moving down.
B2 1 – 4 All three couples promenade round to the left half–way, inverting set.
  5 – 6 Continue promenade hold, the men wheel their partners round so that all are proper and set is upside down. (i.e. 3rd couple at the top, 2nd couple in the middle, 1st couple at the bottom.)
  7 – 10 All go back–to–back with partners.
  11 – 12 1st couple lead up to the middle place, 2nd couple cast down to the bottom, while 3rd couple, at the top, turn single, man to left and woman to right.

Repeat the whole dance twice more, each couple leading in turn.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Levi Jackson Rag

Tune: Levi Jackson Rag © Pat Shaw, 1975
Recording: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
Shaw to Shaw – The Ranchers LP
Heatin’ up the Hall – Yankee Ingenuity
Houghton Band Collection – Houghton Band
Eight More Bars Please – The Tenpenny Bit
Formation: Progressive 5 couple set – Reel
      W – M W – M  
    M      
  TOP |      
    W      
      M – W M – W  
A 1 – 8 Side couples right–and–left–through and back with the opposite side couples while, on bars 3 and 4 the head couple moves half–way down the centre and, on bars 7 and 8, continues down to the bottom of the set.
  9 – 12 Side couples circle left once round with opposite couple in two rings of four, while head couple separates and casts back to home place.
  13 – 16 All back–to–back with partners.
B 1 – 4 All five ladies chain, i.e. all five women right–hand star past partner and past next man to the third man, who chains them round with the left hand in the usual manner. (Head man should chain his woman round fairly fast, so that she may get back easily into the star that follows.)
  5 – 8 All five ladies chain on two more places as above, where they should meet their new partners, i.e. their original corners.
  9 – 12 All promenade new partner to next place anticlockwise round the set, where they balance right and left once.
  13 – 16 All swing new partners in new places, finishing ready to start again.

Repeat the whole dance four times more, when all should be home.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


The Lindsay Rant or Marney’s Blarney

Tune: The Lindsay Rant © Pat Shaw, date unknown
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Reel
A1 1 – 4 All rant on the spot for 2 bars, then ladies cross left shoulder turning left and as nearly simultaneously as possible, men cross right shoulder turning right into opposite places.
A2 1 – 4 Repeat A1 to places.
B 1 – 4 All four Right Hand Star half way round; then turning left out of the star, dance past the next couple passing left shoulder.
  5 – 8 Left Hand Star half way round with the next new couple; then turning right out of the star, dance past the next couple passing right shoulder.

Note:
This should be danced throughout with a light, quiet, economical rant step. The tune should be played fast, at a real North Country rant tempo, not the soggy speed so often found elsewhere. Notice that one moves on 4 places each round of the dance.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Little Agnes

Tune: ‘Angenietje’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Double square set for eight couples – Jig
TOP
W2 M2
M1 W1
  M4 W3     M7 W8  
  W4 M3     W7 M8  
W5 M5
M6 W6
Note:
Odd numbers are inner couples and are improper.
M1 + W1 or M2 + W2 are partners;
M1 + W3 or M2 + W8 are neighbours;
M1 + W2 or M2 + W1 are corners;
M1 + W5 or M2 + W6 are opposites;
M1 + M2 or W1 + W2 are diagonals;
M1 + M5 or W2 + W6 are opposite diagonals
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All facing centre, lead forward a double and fall back;
  5 – 6 Inner couples cast, outer couples lead forward into inner places.
A2 1 – 4 All lead forward to centre a double and fall back;
  5 – 6 Inner couples cast, outer couples lead forward into inner places.
B1 1 – 3 Women cross with diagonals (W1 with W2, etc.), giving right hands in passing, while inner (odd) Men right hand star one–quarter and outer (even) Men cast left; all left hand turn with new Man or Woman facing (M1 with M8, M2 with W3, M3 with W2, M4 with W5, M5 with W4, M6 with W7, M7 with W6 and M8 with W1);
  4 – 7 Women cross back, giving right hands with same diagonal as before, while inner (odd) Men right hand star one–quarter on to the next place and outer (even) Men dance anti-clockwise on to neighbour, all left hand turn this new Man or Woman (M1 with W5, M2 with W6, M3 with W7, M4 with W8, M5 ith W1, M6 with W2, M7 with W3, M8 with W4). The women are home and the men are in opposite places.
B2 1 – 7 Women repeat the above figure, while inner (odd) Men continue quarter right hand star and left hand turn twice more to original places, and outer (even) Men, continuing swiftly on anticlockwise track, then left hand turn with neighbour’s diagonal (i.e, M2 with W7, M8 with W5, M6 with W3, M4 with W1), outer (even) Men continue swiftly anticlockwise round the outside to meet partner, left hand turn with partner, finishing in original places.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 6 Partners side right shoulder; all slip, Men left, Women right in front of Men, to change places with corner.
A2 1 – 6 Corners side left shoulder; all slip, Women in front, as before to change places with partner.
B1 1 – 7 New inner (even) couples lead through the outer (odd) couples, cast back and all eight circle left half way in the centre, while the new outer (odd) couples separate (not cast) and dance forward outside the inner couples, meet partner, lead back through them, separate and turn neighbour with both hands.
B2 1 – 7 Working now on the diagonal (St. Andrew’s Cross), inner (even) couples turn (Men right, Women left) towards neighbour, lead neighbour through the outside, cast back and all eight circle left half way to original places in a similar way to B1, while the outer (odd) couples separate from neighbours, move towards centre outside inner couples, meet neighbour and lead back, separate and turn partner with both hands. Odd couples are still outside, even couples inside (the leading and casting should take 3 bars, the half circle left and turn with both hands four bars).
Third Figure
A1 1 – 6 Partners right hand turn once and a half (or arm right); set left and right with partner.
A2 1 – 6 Corners left hand turn once and a half (or arm left); set right and left with corner.
B1 1 – 3 2nd and 6th couples turn partners by the left hand, while 1st and 5th Men turn their opposites (W5 + W1) by the left hand in the centre and at the same time the other couples (3rd, 4th, 7th and 8th couples) pass corners right shoulder and move backwards right shoulder past partner;
  4 – 7 3rd and 7th couples turn partners by the left hand, while 4th and 8th Men turn their opposites (W8 + W4) by the left hand in the centre and at the same time the other couples (1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th couples) pass corners right shoulder and move backwards right shoulder past partner.
B2 1 – 7 Repeat the above figure from new places to original places. All honour partner.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Little Hunsdon

Tune: Little Hunsdon © Pat Shaw, 1977
Recording: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
Formation: 2 couple set – Jig
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 All pass opposite by right shoulder, then move backwards passing partner right shoulder.
A2 1 – 4 All pass opposite by right shoulder again, then move backwards passing partner right shoulder.
B1 1 – 8 Men meet, turn single right back to place, cross passing right shoulder and turn left into opposite man’s place, while women wait two bars, meet, turn single right back to place, cross passing right shoulder and turn right to face each other.
B2 1 – 8 Women meet, turn single left back to place, cross passing left shoulder and turn right into original place, while men wait two bars, meet, turn single left back to place, cross passing left shoulder and turn left in to original place.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 4 As in 1st figure.
A2 1 – 4 As in 1st figure.
B1 1 – 2 All cross right shoulder with opposite and make back ring.
  3 – 4 Circle right (clockwise) half–way round.
  5 – 8 All lead out opposite up or down the hall, wheel round clockwise as a couple and lead back
B2 1 – 2 All cross left shoulder with partner and make back ring.
  3 – 4 Circle left (anticlockwise) half–way round.
  5 – 8 All lead out partner to wall, wheel round anticlockwise as a couple and lead back. (Both times, man hands woman round him when they turn.)
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 As in 1st figure.
A2 1 – 4 As in 1st figure.
B1 1 – 4 Face partner, set right and honour, pass partner left shoulder.
  5 – 8 Turn opposite once–and–a–half with left hand.
B2 1 – 4 Face opposite, set right and honour, pass opposite left shoulder.
  5 – 8 Turn partner once–and–a–half with right hand.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Little Nightingale

Tune: ‘Nachtegaaltje kleijne’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Duple minor longways – Reel
Double progression
A1 1 – 4 Right hand star;
  5 – 6 1st Man and 2nd Woman, keeping right hands joined, half right hand turn, while 2nd Man and 1st Woman turn single left.
A2 1 – 4 Left hand star;
  5 – 6 2nd Man and 1st Woman, keeping left hands joined, half left hand turn, while 1st Man and 2nd Woman turn single right.
B1 1 – 2 1st couple turn with both hands half way;
  3 – 6 Circle left;
  7 – 10 Neighbours back to back right shoulder. (First progression, though the 2nd couples arestill improper)
B2 1 – 2 1st couple turn with both hands half way;
  3 – 6 Circle left with new couple;
  7 – 10 All pass neighbours right shoulder and move backwards across the set passing partner right shoulder to new progressed places. (Second progression).

Note:
During B1 and B2, the neutral couple must change places with partner, preferably turning with both hands half way on the first two bars. This applies in B1 to the couple who start the round neutral at the bottom, if any, and in B2 to the 2nd couple who have just reached the top. It does not apply to the 1st couple who have just reached the bottom at the end of B1 and who are on their correct side.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Long Live London

Tune: Long Live London © Pat Shaw, 1971
Recordings: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Favorites of the Boston Centre – Bare Necessities
Shaw to Shaw – The Ranchers (LP)
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Reel
A1 1 – 4 All pass opposite by the right shoulder; Men turning left, Women right, all move backwards passing partner by the right shoulder.
  5 – 8 All pass opposite by the right shoulder; Men turning left, Women right, all move backwards passing partner by the right shoulder.
A2 1 – 4 Women cross over with each other passing left shoulder and turn left. Immediately after the Women have crossed, the Men cross over with each other passing right shoulder and turn right.
Repeat this to places. (This is a very quick movement)
  5 – 8 All turn opposite with both hands or swing (ballroom hold) once and a half, finishing with Woman on Man’s right and facing partner across the set.
B 1 – 4 Ladies’ chain half way.
  5 – 8 Right hands across with same couple, Men joining in behind their partner.
  9 – 12 Women, followed by their partner, turn left into left hands across with the next couple.
  13 – 16 All set forward right and left to partner and turn single right back to place.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Long Pond

Tune: Long Pond © Pat Shaw, 1976
Recording: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Shaw to Shaw – The Ranchers (LP)
Popular ECD – (LP)
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Reel
A 1 – 4 All change places wth partner giving right hands and change back again giving left hands.
  5 – 8 All Back to Back, 1st man with 2nd lady, 1st lady with 2nd man of the couple above (i.e. with the person diagonally to the right).
  9 – 12 1st and 2nd couples Circle Left all the way round.
  13 – 16 1st couple Half Figure 8, while 2nd couple move straight up outside the 1st couple (do not cast up), move towards the centre and fall back side by side down the middle to their original place.
B 1 – 8 1st and 2nd couple Ladies’ Chain, facing each other up and down the set.
  9 – 12 All promendade partner out of the Ladies’ Chain half way round the other couple finishing in progressed places with 2nd couple improper.
  13 – 16 All swing partner to own side of the set.

Note:
The tempo of this dance should be relaxed and leisurely, about that of a contra as danced in New England. It must in no way be “driven” or rushed. A suitable alternative tune would be “Dixon Country Blues.”

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


The Lover’s Farewell

Tune: ‘Ick gae mijn soeten Engel’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Longways set for three couples – Waltz
A1 1 – 4 1st Man and 3rd Woman right hand turn once round;
  5 – 8 1st Man and 3rd Woman continue clockwise round outside the set into each other’s place, while 1st Woman and 3rd Man left hand turn once round.
A2 1 – 4 The three Men left hand star slightly more than once round, while the three Women do the same;
  5 – 8 1st Man and 3rd Woman, passing each other back to back and crossing into the other star, 1st Man, 1st and 2nd Women right hand star to original place, 3rd Woman, 2nd and 3rd Men doing the same.
B1 1 – 8 All circle left.
B2 1 – 8 All hey for three on own side of set, 1st and 2nd Men passing right shoulder and 2nd and 3rd Women passing right shoulder.
C1 1 – 4 1st couple, passing right shoulder, cross over and move down outside 2nd couple, who move up;
  5 – 8 1st couple half figure 8 through 3rd couple;
9 – 16 1st and 2nd couples facing up, 3rd couple facing down, all Morris Hey.
C2 1 – 8 3rd couple cast up, 1st couple moving down to 3rd place, then 3rd couple cross over, passing right shoulder with partner, and continuing up outside the 2nd couple, return down the middle into 2nd place, crossing to own side (Women in front) as they do so;
  9 – 16 All Double Hey, 1st couple passing inside 3rd couple to start.

Repeat the dance twice.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Margaret’s Waltz

Tune: Margaret’s Waltz and Farewell to Devon © Pat Shaw, 1959
Recordings: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Take Two – John Patrick and Chris Dewhurst
Community Dances Manual – Orange and Blue
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Waltz
A1 1 – 4 Taking inside hands with partner, all two waltz steps forward to opposite couple and two waltz steps back.
  5 – 8 All right hand turn with opposite once round.
A2 1 – 4 Men go straight into left hand turn once round with partner.
  5 – 8 Ladies’ chain half way.
B 1 – 4 Keeping same hold, all two chassé steps with opposite diagonally forward to the right and then two chassé steps diagonally forward to the left, couples finishing back to back.
  5 – 8 All turn individually to the right into a right hands across (with the couple behind) back to original place.
  9 – 12 All back to back with opposite.
  13 – 16 All take ballroom hold with partner and waltz on to meet new couple.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


The Martial Baron

Tune: The Martial Baron © Pat Shaw, 1975
Recording: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Not Quite Shaw – West Kirby Folk Dance Band (tape)
Formation: Triple minor longways
A1 1 – 2 1st man, facing up, takes his partner’s left hand in his own right and leads her round himself to face down and then on into the 2nd couple’s place; 1st man Left Hand Turn with 3rd lady, while 1st lady Right Hand Turn with 3rd man. At the same time, 2nd couple fall back two steps, move up three steps and cross over passing right shoulder, turning in to face each other.
  3 – 4 1st and 2nd couples Circle Left half way round; then 1st couple cast while 2nd lead up.
A2 1 – 4 As in A1, 1st and 2nd couples reversing roles.
B1 1 – 2 1st couple cast into the 2nd place, while 2nd couple move up and turn out and 3rd couple Turn Single, 3rd man to the right, 3rd lady to the left.
  3 – 8 1st man, passing 3rd lady left shoulder, heys with 3rd couple, while 1st lady, passing 2nd man left shoulder, heys with 2nd couple. 1st couple should end these heys in the middle place facing up.
B2 1 – 8 All do a Morris Hey. 2nd and 3rd couples should use the last turn out of the previous heys as the beginning of the Morris Hey; 1st couple should start by going up the middle through 2nd couple.

Note:
The A music with 5 beats to the bar should be steady and dignified. For the B music the tempo should quicken appreciably and be very vigorous and bright. Try for as much contrast as possible in style and mood between the two parts of the dance.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


Master Jacob

Tune: ‘Meester Jacob’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Six couple ‘Becket’ set – Waltz

Three couples in line facing three couples in line

Top

  M1a W1b  
  W1a M1b  
  M2a W2b  
  W2a M2b  
  M3a W3b  
  W3a M3b  

Progression: After the first round, couples la and 1b will have moved to the bottom and will have changed sides, the others will have moved up one place. If the dance is done three times, all will be home, but on the opposite side. If it is done six times, all will be in original places.

A1 1 – 8 All Ladies’ Chain (Scottish style with open left hand turns) with opposite couple and back, finishing with Men back to back in centre. Let go hands.
A2 1 – 8 Making two circles one on each side of the set (i.e. three Men in line joining with three Women in line), all circle left half way; partners turn with both hands once and a quarter into original set formation.
B1 1 – 2 Couples 1a and 1b meet each other in the centre;
  3 – 6 Couples la and 1b lead opposite up the middle;
  7– 14 Couples 1a and 1b cast outside 2nd and 3rd couples to the bottom of the set where they circle left half way; while 2nd and 3rd couples (a and b) change places with opposites, passing right shoulder and turning right into a circle of eight, circle left half way, ending with couple 2a facing couple 3a, couple 2b facing couple 3b (2nd couples face down, 3rd couples face up, Woman is on Man’s left in each case):
Top
  M2a W2a M2b W2b  
  | | | |  
  W3a M3a W3b M3b  
  W1b M1a  
  M1b W1a  
B2 1 – 6 In this position, all change places with opposites, passing right shoulder, move backwards passing partner right shoulder and forward passing opposite again right shoulder and turn right into right hand star (the three stars are in a triangle);
  7 – 10 Right hand stars and all turn single left;
  11 – 14 Left hand star and all turn single right, manoeuvring into lines as at first, but in progressed places.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


May in the Hague

Tune: ‘De Haaghse Meij’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Trios (Man with two partners) – Jig
Facing alternately down and up the room longways – double progression
A1 1 – 4 All six circle left half way;
  5 – 6 Men pass left hand partner under arch made with right hand partner, so that the trio is facing in the same direction as at first and is facing a new trio. (First progression)
A2 1 – 4 With the new trio, circle right half way, while the trios at the ends make circles of three and circle right all the way round;.
  5 – 6 Men pass right hand partner under arch made with left hand partner to face another new trio. (Second progression)
B1 1 – 8 Trio 2 raise hands to make arches, while Trio 1 let go hands and passing opposite right shoulder dance down under the arches past two trios and turning right round the second person they pass, dance back again turning tight into places.
B2 1 – 8 All three–quarters right hand turn with opposite (same sex), left hand turn with corner (M1 with W2L, M2 with W1L), half right hand turn with opposite, then left hand turn with the other corner (M1 with W2R M2 with W1R).
A3 1 – 6 All hey for three with own partners, Men start by passing right hand partner right shoulder.

Note:
In B2 during the left hand turn, the inactive Women should turn single left.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Men of Law or Solicitors and Barristers

Tune: ‘Procureuren en Advocaten’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Recording: New Wine in Old Bottles – The Assembly Players
Formation: Triple minor longways – Triple Time
Triple Progression
A1 1 All fall back away from partner;
2 – 4 1st couple, followed by 2nd and 3rd couples who start moving up the sides, lead down the middle to 3rd place;
  5 – 8 1st couple turning out at the bottom, 3rd couple meeting and turning out at the top, all half–a Morris hey, the 2nd couple following the 1st couple and making a big cast at the bottom, 1st and 3rd couples turning out again in their original places to make a ring of six.
(This should all be done as a smooth flowing figure)
A2 1 – 4 All circle left half way, opening out into lines at the end;
  5 – 8 2nd couple cast up, while 3rd couple move down and turn out, then 2nd and 3rd couples turn partner with both hands half way; at the same time 1st couple turn partner with both hands once and a half and fall back from each other. All are now proper. (First and second progressions).
B1 1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples balance back and forward, while 3rd couple balance forward and back to partner;
  3 – 8 1st couple facing up, 2nd and 3rd couples down, all “Double Cross Hey”: couples change sides with partner whenever they meet at either end of the set, Women always crossing in front of partner. Order of crossing is as follows:– 1st couple from the bottom, 2nd couple from the top, 3rd couple from the bottom, 1st couple from the top, 2nd couple from the bottom and 3rd couple from the top.
B2 1 – 4 1st couple, with new 2nd couple below, three changes of a circular hey, without giving hands, thus, pass partner right shoulder, new neighbour left shoulder and partner right shoulder; while 3rd couple and the couples at the top and the bottom of the set change places with partner, passing right shoulder but not turning, then move backwards on a small anticlockwise arc to face partner again and repeat to own side.
5 – 8 1st couple and new 2nd couple right hand star, while 3rd couple and top and bottom couples two–hand turn partner with both hands. (Third progression)

Note:
In B2, the movements for 3rd couple and top and bottom couple are optional. If preferred, these couples may stand still throughout B2.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Merrilly We Dance and Sing or The Fillip

Tune: Merrilly We Dance and Sing © Pat Shaw, date unknown
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Reel
A1 1 – 4 Right–hand turn once round with opposite.
  5 – 8 Back–to–back right shoulder with opposite.
A2 1 – 4 Left–hand turn once round with partner.
  5 – 8 Back–to–back left shoulder with partner.
B1 1 – 8 All four circle left and right.
B2 1 – 4 Continue holding inside hands with partner, forward to the opposite couple and fall back.
  5 – 8 Pass right shoulder with opposite and progress to next couple.

Published in Pat Shaw’s Pinewoods

Links:


The Merry Moment

Tune: ‘Malle Kits’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Longways set for three couples – Reel
A1 1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples right hand star half way (double step);
  3 – 4 1st and 3rd couples left hand star half way (double step).
A2 1 – 2 2nd and 3rd couples right hand star half way (double step);
  3 – 4 1st and 2nd couples left hand star half way (double step).
B1 1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples, passing left shoulder, change places with partner,
  3 – 4 3rd couple lead to bottom and change hands, while 1st and 2nd couples move up on the outside (walking step);
  5 – 10 All circle left once round to original place (double step).
B2 1 – 2 1st Man and 2nd Woman right hand turn three–quarters passing 2nd Man and 1st Woman respectively left shoulder into their places, as 2nd Man and 1st Woman move into their left hand turn;
  3 – 4 2nd Man and 1st Woman left hand turn three–quarters into 1st Man’s and 2nd Woman’s place respectively, while 1st Man and 2nd Woman turn single left;
  5 – 6 1st Man and 3rd Woman change places, passing right shoulder, then 3rd Man and 1st Woman change places, passing right shoulder,
  7 – 10 1st and 3rd couples circle left half way, 1st couple cast to bottom, while 3rd couple lead up to middle place (double step).

Repeat the dance twice.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links:


Miss Anderson’s Allemande

Tune: Miss Anderson’s Allemande © Pat Shaw, 1962
Recordings: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Jig
First couples improper if preferred
A1 1 – 4 1st couple half right hand turn (or half turn with both hands) and lead down into 2nd couple’s place, 2nd couple moving up (not a cast) (walking step).
  5 – 8 Circle left half way round (slipping step) and 1st couple cast down a place, 2nd couple moving up (walking step).
A2 1 – 4 2nd couple half right hand turn (or half turn with both hands) and lead down into original places, 1st couple moving up (not a cast) (walking step).
  5 – 8 Circle left half way round (slipping step) and 2nd couple cast down a place, 1st couple moving up (walking step). All finish improper.
B1 1 – 4 All set forward to partner and turn single away (or set forward to centre and turn single right).
  5 – 8 Right hands across half way round and turn single left to progressed places.
B2 1 – 8 Whole double figure 8 (2nd couple casting at first, 1st couple crossing).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Miss Avril’s Delight

Tune: Miss Avril’s Delight © Pat Shaw, 1971
Recordings: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Shades of Shaw, Dunant’s Favourites – Dutch Comfort
Not Quite Shaw – West Kirby FDB (tape)
Formation: Five couple Longways Set – Irregular time
A1 1 – 5 1st couple, followed by 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th couples, lead up a short way (Bar 1), then cast to the bottom of the set, 2nd and 4th couples changing sides with their partner as they reach the top of the set (Women passing in front of their partner) before casting improper. (Three walking steps, starting right foot, three double steps and three walking steps, starting right foot).
  6 All change places with partner passing right shoulder and turning right into circle of ten. (Three walking steps, starting left foot).
  7 – 10 All circle left half way, finishing in original places but with 2nd couple and 4th couple still improper, and with 3rd couple well away from partner still in circle formation. (Three double steps and three walking steps, starting left foot).
A2 1 Men move forward to centre, while Women fall back. (Three walking steps, starting right foot).
  2 – 4 Men right hands across once round (three double steps), while Women set left and right and quickly turn single left.
  5 Men fall back from centre, while Women move forward, into same circle formation as before. (Three walking steps, starting right foot).
  6 Women move forward to centre, while Men fall back. (Three walking steps, starting left foot).
  7 – 9 Women left hands across once round (three double steps), while Men set right and left and quickly turn single right.
  10 Women fall back from centre, while Men move forward into same circle formation again. (Three walking steps, starting left foot).
B 1 – 4 1st couple lead down the middle, followed by the others (2nd and 4th couples still improper) who move along the circumference of the circle before leading down. Each couple should take inside hands and start leading down exactly on the first beat of successive bars, i.e. 1st couple on 1st bar, 2nd couple on 2nd bar, etc. (walking step).
  5 – 8 On the first beat of the 5th bar, as 5th couple take hands and start to lead down, 1st couple change hands, form an arch and start leading back, followed by 2nd couple, 3rd couple and 4th couple who also change hands and form an arch on the first beat of successive bars, as in B1 – 4. At the end of the phrase, 5th couple reach original place and remain there, while 1st couple and 3rd couple change hands and face 2nd couple and 4th couple respectively (walking step).
  9 – 10 1st couple with 2nd couple and 3rd couple with 4th couple circle left half way and turn single left (walking step).
  11 – 12 1st couple with 4th couple and 3rd couple with 5th couple circle right half way and turn single right (walking step).
  13 – 14 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples balance back and forward, while 4th and 5th couples (now in 2nd and 4th places) change places with partner passing right shoulder, simultaneously turning right to face partner and falling back (like the corners cross movement in ‘The Hole in the Wall’) or a half turn with both hands with partner and fall back (walking step).
  15 – 16 All turn single upwards and outwards (Men left and Women right). This should be a wide movement (walking step) more like a cast outwards.

Repeat dance four times.

  1. The style of this dance should be majestic and stately, with plenty of movement and flow.
  2. Use plenty of push off the back foot throughout, especially in the cross over in A1 bar 6, the hands across in A2 bars 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 and in circles and turn singles in B bars 9 – 12.
  3. In A1 be sure to return to exact circle formation at the end of bars 5 and 10.
  4. In B at the end of bar 14 make sure the lines are straight before the final turn single.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Miss Bedlington’s Fancy

Tune: Miss Bedlington’s Fancy © Pat Shaw, 1971
Recordings: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Shades of Shaw, Dunant s Favourites – Dutch Comfort
Not Quite Shaw – West Kirby FDB (tape)
Formation: Set dance for four trios – Reel
First Figure
A1 1 – 4 Men make a back ring and circle left half way round (walking step), while Women join hands outside them and circle left half way round (walking step) at the same time.
  5 – 8 All set forward left and right to partners and turn single left back to place.
A2 1 – 4 Men make a back ring and circle right half way round back to original places (walking step), while Women join hands outside them and circle right half way round back to original places (walking step).
  5 – 8 All set forward right and left to partners and turn single right back to place.
B 1 – 2 Each Man with his two partners circles left half way round (walking step).
  3 – 4 The two Women raise their joined hands in an arch and the Man pops through (walking step).
  5 – 8 The Men circle left once round in the middle (slipping step, letting go hands and breaking into walking step about half way through the phrase), while the Women turn away from their co–partner and turn their new neighbour once round with both hands (walking step).
  9 – 10 Each Man with his two partners circles right half way round (walking step).
  11 – 12 The two Women raise their joined hands in an arch and the Man pops through (walking step).
  13 – 16 The Men circle right once round in the middle (as before), while the Women turn away from their co–partner and turn their original neighbour once round with both hands (walking step).
All finish in original place.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 2 All move forward into lines of three with partners, Men between the Women (walking step).
  3 – 4 All fall back to place (walking step).
  5 – 8 All set forward left and right to partners and turn single left back to original place.
A2 1 – 2 All move forward into lines of three with partners, Men between the Women (walking step).
  3 – 4 All fall back to place (walking step).
  5 – 8 All set forward right and left to partners and turn single right back to original place.
B 1 – 4 Men back to back right shoulder with right ‘a’ partner (diagonally right) (walking step).
  5 – 8 Men back to back left shoulder with left ‘b’ partner (diagonally left) (walking step).
  9 – 16 Men passing right shoulder with right ‘a’ partner, hey for three with both partners (double step) breaking into walking step to finish.
All finish in original place.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 4 Men right hands across with both partners once round (walking step).
  5 – 8 All set forward left and right to partners and turn single left back to original place.
A2 1 – 4 Men left hands across with both partners once round (walking step).
  5 – 8 All set forward right and left to partners and turn single right back to original place.
B 1 Men right hands across a quarter way round in the centre, while Women left hand turn with co–partner half way round (double step).
  2 – 4 Men left hands across once round with new Women (double step).
  5 – 16 Repeat above (B 1 – 4) three times more, Men moving on one place each time and finishing with own partners. All finish in original place and honour.

Note:
The style of this dance should be bright and gay. The phrasing of the various figures, with the exception of the last, should be very precise. In the B music of the Third Figure, the timing given is approximate. The figure should be smooth and flowing with plenty of movement.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Miss de Jersey’s Memorial

Tune: Miss de Jersey’s Memorial © Pat Shaw, 1971
Recordings: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Take a Dance – Bare Necessities
Shades of Shaw, Dunant’s Favourites – Dutch Comfort
Not Quite Playford – West Kirby FDB
Formation: Duple Minor longways – Waltz
A1 1 – 4 1st couple right hand turn once and a half moving down slightly to finish standing back to back in between 2nd couple who move up slightly.
  5 – 8 1st Man passing 2nd Woman left shoulder and 1st Woman passing 2nd Man left shoulder, all do five changes of a straight hey for four (slightly more than half a straight hey), with 2nd couple finishing improper in the middle facing each other.
A2 1 – 4 2nd couple left hand turn once and a half in between 1st couple.
  5 – 8 2nd Man passing 1st Man right shoulder and 2nd Woman passing 1st Woman right shoulder, all do four changes of a straight hey for four, continuing forward to finish improper diagonally opposite partner as follows:
        Top
    W1    M2
    W2    M1
(M1 in W2’s place, W1 in M1’s place)
(M2 in W1’s place, W2 in M2’s place)
(Women in partner’s place)
B1 1 – 4 All circle left three–quarters round, finishing with Men in 1st couple’s place (facing down) and Women in 2nd couple’s place (facing up).
  5 – 8 Men half a figure 8 through the Women, 2nd Man passing in front of 1st Man.
  9 – 12 All back to back with partner, 1st couple right shoulder and 2nd couple left shoulder, Men start by passing between the Women. The Men may take inside hands moving forward in the back to back and Women should take inside hands when moving backwards in the back to back.
  13 – 16 All circle right three–quarters, finishing in original places but improper.
B2 1 – 2 1st couple, with inside hands joined, lead down the middle, while 2nd couple fall back away from partner.
  3 – 4 1st couple, changing hands, fall back, still moving down the middle of the set, while 2nd couple slide up sideways with two chassé steps.
  5 – 6 1st couple lead forward up the middle to their 2nd couple’s original place where they let go hands, while 2nd couple move forward towards partner.
  7 – 8 1st couple then separate and move up outside 2nd couple, while 2nd couple lead down the middle. All are in original places but still improper.
  9 – 12 All turn partner once round with both hands, falling back away from partner in last bar.
  13 – 14 All change places with partner, passing right shoulder, turning to finish with back to neighbour, (1st couple facing up, 2nd couple facing down).
  15 – 16 All move backwards into progressed place, passing neighbour right shoulder and turning to finish facing partner.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Miss Fennessy Smiles

Tune: Miss Fennessy Smiles © Pat Shaw
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Hornpipe
Men start right foot. Women start left foot.
A1 1 Facing opposite couple, all change places with partner with two chassé steps, Men passing behind partner.
  2 – 4 All turn opposite with right hands once round (slow flat double step) into all holding hands in two large circles round the whole set (Men facing inwards and Women facing outwards in the outer circle and Men facing outwards and Women facing inwards in the inner circle) so that Men finish standing behind their partner.
(All in each ring moving in the same direction.)
  5 – 8 Men: two chassé steps to right, one to left and one to right) and back
Women: two chassé steps to left, one to right and one to left, and back
OR (as originally intended) (Men to right and Women to left) Step to side, in front, to side, hop, hop back, hop back and repeat in opposite direction.
A2 1 – 4 Right hands across with original opposite couple (slow flat double step).
  5 – 8 Left hands across with oiriginal couple behind (slow flat double step).
B1 1 – 4 Women continue turning with left hands once and a half round, while Men turn original opposite Man with right hands once and a half round (slow flat double step).
  5 – 8 All turn original opposite once round with both hands (outer ring moving slightly anticlockwise and inner ring moving slightly clockwise) to finish facing partner in original place (slow flat double step).
B2 1 – 4 Step as in A1 5–8, but not holding hands, going in same direction as partner (with Men to right behind Woman neighbour and Women to left in front of neighbour) and back.
  5 – 8 Turn partner with both hands once or twice round progressing one place OR swing partner with ballroom hold to face next couple (slow flat double step).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Monica’s Delight

Tune: Piccadilly–O © Gordon Hitchcock
Recordings: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Formation: Two couple Longways Set – Jig
First figure
A1 1 – 4 With inside hands joined, partners lead up a double and fall back.
A2 1 – 4 That again.
B 1 – 4 1st Man and 2nd Woman (1st corners) cross right shoulder and turn right. Directly these have crossed 1st Woman and 2nd Man (2nd corners) cross right shoulders and turn right. Directly these have crossed, all pass neighbour right shoulder up or down the set and turn right.
  5 – 8 2nd Man and 1st Woman (new 1st corners) cross right shoulder and turn right. Directly these have crossed, 1st Man and 2nd Woman (new 2nd corners) cross right shoulder and turn right. Directly these have crossed, all pass neighbour right shoulder up or down the set and turn right into original place.
Second figure
A1 1 – 4 All move forward into line right shoulder to right shoulder with partner and fall back.
A2 1 – 4 All move forward into line left shoulder to left shoulder with partner and fall back.
B 1 – 4 “Pot hooks” 1st Man and 2nd Woman (1st corners) cross passing right shoulders (going well across) and fall back outside 2nd corners into neighbour’s place (2nd Man’s place and 1st Woman’s place respectively), while, as soon as 1st corners have crossed, 1st Woman and 2nd Man (2nd corners) cross passing left shoulder and fall back inside the 1st corners into neighbour’s place (2nd Woman’s place and 1st Man’s place respectively).
  5 – 8 Partners facing, three changes of rights and lefts, giving hands right, left and right to original places.
Third figure
A1 1 – 4 Partners arm right.
A2 1 – 4 Partners arm left.
B 1 – 4 Taking inside hands with partner the two couples change places, 1st couple passing under an arch made by the 2nd couple, and then change back, 2nd couple passing under an arch made by the 1st couple.
  5 – 8 Circular hey (partners facing without hands) three changes for 1st couple, two changes and cast on to end of line for 2nd couple.
All honour the Presence in line
       Top
2W 1M 1W 2M

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Morecambe Bay

Tune: Morecambe Bay – Pat Shaw, 1972
Recordings: Levi Jackson – The Assembly Players
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
Formation: Sicilian Circle – Reel
A1 1 – 4 Right hands across with opposite couple. On the fifth beat, all clap and turn out to their left.
  5 – 8 Left hands across, all clap and turn out to their right.
A2 1 – 8 All back to back with opposite and swing opposite, ending with Woman on the Man’s right, facing across the set (facing original partner).
B1 1 – 8 Ladies  chain, North Country style, across the set and back again.
B2 1 – 8 Circle left in fours once all the way round and swing partner to face next couple.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Mr Ganiford’s Maggot

Tune: Mr Ganiford’s Maggot © Pat Shaw, 1971
Recordings: Twickenham Ferry – The Assembly Players
Shades of Shaw, Dunant’s Favourites – Dutch Comfort
The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
A New English Ball – Bare Necessities
Formation: Triple Minor longways – Jig
A1 1 – 8 1st couple back to back right shoulder, then make a big cast into 2nd place, keeping well away from partner (walking step).
  (3 – 8) 2nd couple, starting in bar 3, back to back right shoulder and lead up, giving inside hands, to 1st place where they change hands and face down (walking step).
  (5 – 8) 3rd couple, starting in bar 5, back to back right shoulder, then face up and join inside hands (walking step).
A2 1 – 8 All circle left and right (slipping step), finishing in longways formation.
B 1 – 8 1st couple (in 2nd place) half right hand turn with partner, then left hand turn with first corner (1st Man with 3rd Woman and 1st Woman with 2nd Man) (walking step); then 1st Man dances (double step) clockwise round 3rd Man’s place, back to 2nd place on his own side, while 1st Woman dances clockwise round 2nd Woman’s place back to 2nd place on her own side. On bars 5 – 8 2nd Woman and 3rd Man turn with the left hand once round in the centre (walking step or double step), returning to place to finish.
  9 – 16 1st couple half left hand turn with partner, then right hand turn with 2nd corner (1st Man with 2nd Woman and 1st Woman with 3rd Man) (walking step); then 1st Man dances (double step) anticlockwise round 2nd Man’s place, while 1st Woman dances (double step) anticlockwise round 3rd Woman’s place, both finishing in 2nd place on their own side. On bars 13 – 16 2nd Man and 3rd Woman turn with the right hand once round in the centre (walking or double step) returning to place to finish.

Notes:

  1. This dance should be lively and gay, though always in control.
  2. In A1 the phrasing should be very exact.
  3. In B all should be smooth, flowing and continuous. The two corners, who turn each other in the middle must not anticipate the half phrase.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Mr Shaw’s Apologies

Tune: Mr Shaw’s Apologies © Pat Shaw, 1970
Recordings: The Dances of Pat Shaw – Kenton Ramblers
Formation: Four couple Square Set – Waltz
First Figure
A1 1 – 2 All lead partner to centre, starting with right foot.
  3 – 4 Step right and honour, still facing centre, ending thus:
     W–M   W
               |
     M       M
     |
     W   M–W
  5 – 6 Men left hands across half way round, while Women cast right back to places.
  7 – 8 All step right and honour opposite.
A2 1 – 2 All lead opposite to centre, starting with left foot.
  3 – 4 Step left and honour, still facing centre.
  5 – 6 Women right hands across half way round, while Men cast left back to places (half way round set).
  7 – 8 All step left and honour partner. (All are in opposite places).
B1 1 – 4 Head couples lead partner to centre of set and lead out with opposite into side places, while side couples, facing partners, fall back away from them and move forward to meet opposite in head places.
  5 – 8 All turn opposite with both hands once and a half.
B2 1 – 4 Side couples (in head places) lead opposite to centre of set and lead out with partner into side places, while head couples, facing opposite, fall back away from them and move forward to meet partner in head places.
  5 – 8 All turn partner with both hands once and a half, finishing facing partner in original places.
Second Figure
A1 1 – 2 Starting with right foot, move forward into line with partner right shoulder to right shoulder, turn to face partner (Women facing centre – Men with backs to centre).
  3 – 4 Step right and honour partner.
  5 – 8 Turn corner with right hand once round, finishing in own places, but facing corner with set diamond–shaped.
A2 1 – 2 Move forward into line with corner left shoulder to left shoulder, turn to face corner (Women facing centre – Men with backs to centre).
  3 – 4 Step left and honour corner.
  5 – 8 Turn partner with left hand once round to original places. (Side couples continue to hold left hands).
B1 1 – 4 Head couples half straight hey to opposite places, Women starting by passing right shoulder in the centre, while side couples left hand turn with partner once round.
  5 – 8 Side couples half straight hey to opposite places, Women starting by passing right shoulder in the centre (side Men loop left), while head couples left hand turn with partner once round.
B2 1 – 4 Head couples right hand turn with partner once round, while side couples half straight hey to original places, Men (who have just passed each other right shoulder at end of previous half hey) start by passing each other left shoulder in the centre.
  5 – 8 Side couples right hand turn with partner once round to places (and continue to hold right hands for next Figure), while head couples half straight hey to original places, Men starting by passing left shoulder in the centre.
Third Figure
A1 1 – 3 Starting with right foot, all three–quarter right hand turn with partner.
  4 All face partner and fall back (one small waltz step) into this position:
       M
       |
       W
M–W   W–M
       W
       |
       M
(Men facing centre – Women with backs to centre)
  5 – 6 Step right and honour partner.
  7 – 8 All one waltz step directly forwards towards partner, a slight turn on the spot left (anticlockwise) and one large waltz step backwards (Men passing right hand Woman by the left shoulder, Men on the inside of the set), finishing beyond and facing right hand Woman (improper) with set diamond–shaped.
A2 1 – 3 Starting with left foot, all three–quarter left hand turn with new partner.
  4 All face and fall back (one small waltz step) (Men facing centre – Women with backs to centre).
  5 – 6 Step left and honour same person.
  7 – 8 All one waltz step directly forwards towards same person, a slight turn on the spot right (clockwise), and one large waltz step backwards, passing partner right shoulder (Men on the inside of the set), finishing facing partner in original places.
B1 1 – 3 Men left hands across three–quarters round set, while Women move forward one place clockwise round set.
  4 All right hand turn with partner half way round.
  5 – 7 Women left hands across three–quarters round set, while Men move forward one place clockwise.
  8 All right hand turn with partner half way round.
B2 1 – 8 Repeat B1 1 – 8, Men finishing in the middle facing their partner (Men with backs to centre – Women facing centre).
Coda
  1 – 2 Still holding right hands with partner, Men turn partner anticlockwise under her right arm, each moving slightly to the left.
  3 – 4 Step right and honour partner into cross formation (Men with backs to centre, Women facing centre).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Mr Shaw’s Canon

Tune: Christchurch Bells (traditional)
Recordings: Long Live London – The Assembly Players
Formation: Three couple Longways Set – Reel
1st couple start, the 2nd couple join in after eight bars and the 3rd couple join in after sixteen bars
A 1 – 2 Taking inside hands with partner lead forward (under an arch if there is one).
  3 – 4 Set right and left to partner.
  5 – 8 Turn partner with right hand once round.
B 1 – 4 Cast down to middle place (as next couple lead up)
  5 – 8 Turn partner with left hand once round.
C 1 – 2 Make arch and slip down to bottom place (as next couple lead up)
  3 – 8 Cross, move outside to top place, cross again and move outside back to bottom place (single step).

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


Muschamp’s Maggot

Tune: Muschamp’s Maggot © Pat Shaw, 1974
Recordings: Walpole Cottage – The Assembly Players
Formation: Four couple longways – Rant
A1 1 – 8 1st Man turns 2nd Woman with both hands once round, while 3rd Man turns 4th Woman with both hands once round. Then 1st Man keeping 2nd Woman’s right hand in his left to make an arch and staying in the centre, leads 2nd Woman right round, arching over 2nd Man and 1st Woman back to her original place, while 3rd Man does the same, staying in the centre and leading 4th Woman right round, arching over 4th Man and 3rd Woman.
A2 1 – 8 2nd Man turns 1st Woman with both hands once round, while 4th Man turn 3rd Woman with both hands once round. Then 2nd Man keeping 1st Woman’s right hand in his left to make an arch and staying in the centre, leads 1st Woman right round, arching over 2nd Woman and 1st Man back to her original place, while 4th Man does the same, staying in the centre and leading 3rd Woman right round, arching over 4th Woman and 3rd Man.
B 1 – 4 1st couple, followed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th couples who move up on the outside, lead down to the bottom of the set, 1st couple and 3rd couple turning to face up at the end of the 4th bar (walking step).
  5 – 8 All three changes of a dip and dive, 1st and 3rd couples going under first (2nd and 3rd couples finishing in each other’s place) (rant step). All finish taking ballroom hold with partner and standing with 1st and 3rd Men back to back and 2nd and 4th Men back to back.
C 1 – 6 1st and 3rd couples, 2nd and 4th couples dance round each other once and a half to new place.
  7 – 8 Then swing once round quickly on the spot and fall back away from partner into lines. Progression 1–2–4–3–1.

Repeat dance three times.

Published in The Pat Shaw Collection

Links:


My Mother’s Geese

Tune: ‘Mijn moeder heeft Gansen’ from Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse Boerenlietjes en Contredansen
Formation: Triple minor longways – Waltz
A1 1 – 2 1st and 2nd couples right hand star half way;
  3 1st Man and 2nd Woman step back;
  4 2nd Man and 1st Woman step back;
  5 – 6 1st and 2nd couples turn single right.
A2 1 – 2 1st and 3rd couples left hand star half way;
  3 1st Woman and 3rd Woman step back;
  4 1st Man and 3rd Man step back;
  5 – 6 1st and 3rd couples turn single left.
B1 1 – 4 1st couple turn with both hands, at the same time 2nd and 3rd couples circle left half way, 3rd couple cast into 2nd place, 2nd couple lead up and turn outwards;
  5 – 6 1st couple cast up to 1st place, while 3rd couple move down on the 5th bar, 2nd couple move down on the 6th bar;
  7 – 8 1st couple lead down to 2nd place, while 2nd couple cast up and 3rd couple turn single, Man right, Woman left. (This should be made a flowing movement and the timing here given is only a rough guide.)
B2 1 – 4 2nd couple back to back right shoulder with partner, while 1st and 3rd Men back to back right shoulder and 1st and 3rd Women back to back left shoulder;
  5 Facing partner, Men take a step back;
  6 Women take a step back;
  7 – 8 All turn single right moving forward.

Published in New Wine in Old Bottles

Links: