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TheJohn M. Harris

Dance Book

The John M. Harris Dance Book

A tribute by Alan White :

John Harris died on 6th April 2016 after a long illness, aged 82 years. John’s many years in the folk dancing world started when he asked Mary out and she told him “only if he went dancing”. His reply was “I’m not dancing, that’s cissy stuff.” But he did and he and Mary were married in 1958. His passion was American Square, with names like Little Red Wagon, 42nd Street, Poor Boy and one that I think was his favourite “Oh Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble”. He loved to call with a band such as Don Flower’s Long Odds, Ivor Maycock’s The Square Crows and Duncan & Maggie Scott’s The Occasional Few.

He would travel many miles over the Midlands and Southwest to call at a dance, not getting home until Sunday morning. John was Chairman of Northampton Folk Dance Group for over 17 years, and called at Northampton Town Hall dances, Abington Park afternoon dances and Folk Group Easter Meets. He raised hundreds of pounds for Cynthia Spencer Hospice by running barn dances for them. John helped many people to start calling by giving advice and encouragement and will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched over the years.

All the following dances are believed to be John's creations and have been reproduced here, from John's notes, with the kind permission of Mary Harris for the enjoyment of all.

Sue Rees, November 2018


Dance IndexAbigail's Reel...................................................................26

Acocks Green Flutterwheel.............................................10

An Autumn Dream...........................................................35

Beckett for Woodbridge...................................................29

Bewitched..........................................................................3

Bob's Birthday Contra......................................................40

Bubbles............................................................................37

Burdett Circle Dance.........................................................8

Chippenham Square (The)..............................................12

Christchurch Sicilian..........................................................2

Colonade.........................................................................43

Crosstrail Hey..................................................................24

David's Three Score Celebration.....................................30

Double Gypsy Meltdown..................................................31

Euro Grandee..................................................................42

Gaulby Gallop (The)........................................................27

Golden Achievement.......................................................20

Golden Anniversary Square (The)...................................32

Golden Contra (The)........................................................22

Golden Stars....................................................................36

I Wan't A Girl....................................................................17

John's California Contra..................................................38


John's Frolic.......................................................................7

John's Jig...........................................................................5

John's Sicilian..................................................................13

Just Another Snowball.....................................................14

Last Resort (The).............................................................44

Litchfield Longways.........................................................11

McNamara's Reel..............................................................4

My Old Man.....................................................................25

Operational Square.........................................................16

Plessey Swing (The)..........................................................6

Relaxation Reel...............................................................18

Rollaway..........................................................................23

Ruby Wedding Reel (The)...............................................34

Six-O-Reel for Maureen...................................................41

Square Creation..............................................................33

Stonesfield Festival Square...............................................1

There and Back Again.....................................................15

Trent Bridge.......................................................................9

Tribute to Bill....................................................................45

Triple Change..................................................................21

Twister.............................................................................39

Weave the Square...........................................................28

Zig Zag Sicilian................................................................19


Addenda

Date Changes made

09/12/18 Dance added “The Last Resort”.

10/12/18 Dance added “Tribute to Bill”.


STONESFIELD FESTIVAL SQUARE

Square Set – 4 x 48 Bar Reels

A1Head Couples Promenade halfway round the outside of the square.Head Couples half Right and Left Thru across the square.

A2Side Couples repeat A1.

B1All four Ladies Chain and back.

B2Left hand turn Corners – Right hand turn Partners.Do-si-do Corners.

C1Balance Right and Left twice and Swing Corners.

C2Promenade Corners round to Gent's home.

[Composed for the Stonesfield Folk Festival – May 1971]

The John M. Harris Dance BookPage 1

CHRISTCHURCH SICILIAN

Sicilian Circle - 32 Bar Reels/Jigs

A1In fours Circle Left and Right.

A2Give Right hand to Opposite and gallop 4 steps away from Partners and Box the Gnat.Keep hold of Right hands and gallop 4 steps in to Partners and Box the Gnat again [original places].

B1Right hand turn and Left hand turn Opposites.

B2Pass Opposite by and Do-si-do next Opposite.Swing Partners and face original direction to start again.

[May 1977]


BEWITCHED

3 Couple Longways - 3 x 32 Bar Jigs1's and 3's couples improper

A1Lines go forward and back -1st and 2nd Men change places,1st and 3rd Men change places.

A2Lines go forward and back -1st and 2nd Ladies change places,1st and 3rd Ladies change places.

B1Top Couple face down and others face up, all dance a Grimstock Hey all the way, [in from the ends and out from the centre].

B2All Do-si-do Partners and 2 hand turn all the way.

[October 31st 2003]


McNAMARA'S REEL

Double Sicilian – 32 bar Reel (Same)

A1Join hands and Circle Left all the way round.

A2In fours Right and Left Thru and back.

B1All four Ladies Chain and back.

B2Lines of four go forward to meet and back.Drop hands and pass on Thru to next four.

[June 1980]


JOHN'S JIG

Double Circle 2 behind 2 – 32 bar Reel/Jig

A1Promenade Partner 4 paces and Gents cast off one place.Promenade new Partner 4 paces anti-clockwise,Ladies cast off one place [double progression].

A2Right Shoulder Do-si-do new Partner.Left Allemande diagonally on the Left.

B1Go back and Left shoulder Do-si-do new Partner.Right Allemande diagonally on the Right.

B2Go back to new Partner and balance Right and Left twice,and Swing.

[April 1980]


THE PLESSEY SWING

Double Circle – Ladies back to centre – 32 Reel/Jig

A1Do-si-do Partner Right Shoulder.Left hand turn on the Left diagonal.

A2Do-si-do Partner Left Shoulder.Right hand turn on the Right diagonal.

B1Balance and Swing Partner and finish in promenade position.

B2Promenade round circle and Gents move forward one place and bring the Lady round with her back to centre to start again.

[October 1981]


JOHN'S FROLIC

Sicilian Circle – 32 Bar Reel/Jig

A1Clap own hands together once and circle left.Clap own hands together once and circle right.

A2Clap own hands together – clap Right to Partner.Clap own hands together – clap Left to Partner.Repeat all that with Contrary.Repeat all that with Partner.Repeat all that with Contrary.

B1Do-si-do your Partner.Do-si-do your Contrary.

B2All pass by your Contrary.All Swing your Partners and face new Contrary.

[June 1982]


BURDETT CIRCLE DANCE

Becket Circle – 32 bar Reels/jigs

A1Ladies Chain halfway – Star Thru with Partner and circle Left three quarters round.

A2Repeat all A1 again.

B1Right and Left Thru across halfway.Right and Left Thru diagonally to the Right halfway.

B2Texas Do-si-do.--- Left hand turn Partner and Gents pass Right shoulder and Right hand turn Opposite and Gents pass Left shoulders and Left hand turn Partner ---

[Written for the Ruby Wedding Anniversary of Margaret and Eric Burdett 1986]


TRENT BRIDGE

Sicilian Circle – 32 bar Reel/jig

A1Join inside hand to Partner – go forward and back to Opposites and Right hand turn Opposite [face Partner].

A2Join inside hand to Opposite and go forward and back to Partner and Left hand turn Partner.

B1In fours circle Left and Right hand Star.

B22 Ladies change places – 2 Men change places.All Swing Partners and end facing new couple.

[Composed Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Nottingham - 1988]


ACOCKS GREEN FLUTTERWHEEL

Square Set – 7x32 Reels/jigs

CHORUSA1All four Ladies Flutterwheel. All four Ladies Chain halfway.

A2All Promenade round square to places and Swing.

B1/B2Allemande Left Corners and Grand Chain to meet Partners – Box the Gnat and wrong way Grand Chain to places and Swing Partners.

FIGUREA1Heads {Sides} Lead to the Right and Circle Left to a line on the sides {Heads}. Lines go forward and back.

A2In fours half Right hand Star – centre four people half Left hand Star – Swing the one you meet into lines on the Heads {Sides}.

B1All four Ladies Chain halfway. Do-si-do your Opposite.

B2All take Corners and Promenade to Gents home place and Swing.

{Chorus-Heads-Heads-Chorus-Sides-Sides-Chorus}

[For the Acocks Green Day of Dance 1988]


LITCHFIELD LONGWAYS

Longways Improper – 32 bar Reels/jigs

A1Ladies passing Right shoulders start a full Reel of four across the set.

A2Ladies cross over the set and Swing Partners.2 Ladies Chain halfway.

B1Ladies lead a Flutterwheel and sweep a quarter and pass Thru along the set.

B2Right and Left Thru along the set and back with next Couple and then turn to face Partners.

[Composed for the Litchfield Folk Festival June 1988]


THE CHIPPENHAM SQUARE

Square Sets – 4x48 Reels/Jigs

A1Allemande Left Partners and all four Ladies Chain halfway.

A2All four Ladies Flutterwheel to collect Partners.All Do-si-do Partners.

B1Head Couples half Right and Left Thru.Sides Couples half Right and Left Thru.

B2Head {Side} Couples lead to the Right and circle Left to a line.Lines go forward and back.

C1Ladies Chain across the set.Ladies Chain down the line.

C2Ladies Chain across the set.All Swing new Partners to Gents home place.

{Repeat Heads again – Repeat Sides twice}.

[March 1989]


JOHN'S SICILIAN

Sicilian Circle – 32 bar Reels/Jigs

A1Texas Do-si-do.--- Left hand turn Partner and Gents pass Right Shoulders and Right hand turn Opposite and Gents pass Left Shoulders and Left hand turn Partner into a ---

A2Ladies Chain and back.

B1Forward to meet and back.Forward and circle Left all the way.

B2Pass Thru to Do-si-do next Opposite.Swing Partners and face next Couple.

[April 1990]


JUST ANOTHER SNOWBALL

5 Couple Longways – 5x48 Reels/jig

A1Both end Couples Do-si-do Right and Left Shoulders WHILE middle 3 Couples Circle Left and Right.

A2Top and Bottom 2 Couples Right and Left hand Stars WHILE middle Couple Do-si-do Right and Left Shoulders.

B1Lines go forward and back and cross Men arching.

B2Lines go forward and back and cross Ladies arching.

C1Bottom Couple Gallop up the centre and cast to bottom.

C2Top Couple Gallop down to bottom – others move up one place and everyone Swing Partners.

[December 1990]


THERE AND BACK AGAIN

Sicilian Circle – 32 bar Reel/Jig

A1Take 2 hand hold with Opposite and Men push the Ladies 4 paces round, Balance Right and Left and 2 hand turn once round.

A2Repeat all that with Ladies pushing.

B1Do-si-do Opposite by the Right Shoulder – then backward Do-si-do the person behind with the Right Shoulder.

B2Join nearest hand to Partner and Dip and Dive 3 Couples round set. {Couples facing Clockwise arch first.}All Swing Partners and face new Couple.

[November 1991]


OPERATIONAL SQUARESquare Sets – 7x32 bar Reels/Jigs

CHORUSA1Star Thru with Partner and lead out 4 paces.Set Right and Left – California Twirl and lead in 4 paces.

A24 Ladies Flutterwheel and all Do-si-do.

B1Grand Chain halfway round and all four Ladies Chain.

B2All Balance Right and Left twice and Swing.

FIGUREA1Heads Square Thru 4 hands and all Do-si-do Corners.

A2In fours Circle Left and Head {Side} Gents lead out to a big circle Left to Heads place.

B1Sides {Heads} half Right and Left Thru and 4 Gents Left hand Star once round to:-

B2Pick up Partner and Star Promenade round to drop Ladies at home and Gents continue to Star one more place and Swing original right hand Lady.

{Progression is Gents one place right each time}

[January 1992 – written while in hospital]


I WAN'T A GIRL

Square Set – Intro + 7x32 + Tag

CHORUSAllemande Left your Corner Girl.Do-si-do your own little maid.The Gents Star Right around that ring.Allemande Left you're a right to your Partner.Right and Left around that ring,Do-si-do that Girl with Eyes of Blue.Promenade as you always do.Swing with that Girl she's just like the Girl that married dear old Dad.

FigureHead two Gents you Promenade – halfway round with your Maid.Those Ladies Chain across that square.Side two Gents you Promenade – halfway round with your Maid.Those Ladies Chain across that square.All four Ladies Chain across that square.Roll Away and Swing the next one there.Now Promenade this Girl she's just like the girl that married dear old Dad.

{Chorus - Heads - Heads - Chorus - Sides - Sides - Chorus}

[May 1992]


RELAXATION REEL

4 Couple Longways – 1's and 3's improper – 4x32 bar Reels

A11st & 2nd Ladies and 3rd & 4th Ladies give Right hands Balance forward and Back and Box the Gnat.1st & 2nd Gents and 3rd & 4th Gents give Right hands Balance forward and Back and Box the Gnat.

A2In fours Right hand Star all the way round and centre four Left hand Star all the way round.

B1Top Couple arch and others lead up Thru and cast down.All Do-si-do Partners.

B2All balance Right and Left twice and Swing Partners.

{Finish 1st and 3rd Improper}

[June 7th 1992]

Suggested music for Camping Club Play In The Band, Page 2 & 3 – Brown Banner and Fiona's Wedding


ZIG ZAG SICILIAN

Sicilian Circle – 32 bar Reel/Jig

A12 Gents change places by giving Left hands – then change with the next Man by giving Right hands (do not turn round).In new fours Left hand Star.

A22 Ladies change places by giving Right hands – then change with the next Lady by giving Left hands.In new fours Right hand Star.

B1Ladies Chain across and back.

B2Do-si-do the Opposite Person.Swing your own Partner and face original direction.

[Winner of the N.F.D.C. Annual Dance Competition October 1992]


GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT

4 Couple Longways – 2's and 4's improper – 4x32 Jigs

A1Gents give Right hand to Partners Left hand – Balance forward and back – Star Thru – and Ladies Chain halfway along the set.

A2Facing Partners – Gents give Right hand to Partners Left hand – balance forward and back – Star Thru – and Ladies chain halfway across the set.

B1In fours half Right and Left Thru across the set.All Do-si-do Partners.

B21st Couple weave down the lines – going outside 2nd to start – every body moving up.All 2 hand turn Partners once and a half round.

{Repeat 3 more times}

[Composed to celebrate the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Jo and John Meddings 4th November 1994]


TRIPLE CHANGE4 Couple Longways – 1's and 3's improper – 4x48 Reels/Jigs

A1Everybody Do-si-do Right Shoulders and in fours a Right hand Star.

A2Everybody Do-si-do Left Shoulders and in fours a Left hand Star.

B1Everybody balance x 2 and Swing Partners and

{Finish 1's and 3's facing down, 2's and 4's facing up}.

B2Ladies Chain along the set and back.

C11st and 2nd Men change places by the Left hands.1st and 3rd Men change places by the Right hands.1st and 4th Men change places by the Left hands.All turn single.

C21st and 2nd Ladies change places by the Right hands.1st and 3rd Ladies change places by the Left hands.1st and 4th Ladies change places by the Right hands.All turn Single.

[November 1995)


THE GOLDEN CONTRA

Longways Proper – 32 bar Reels/Jigs

A11st Corners - 1st Man with Right hand and 2nd Lady with Left hand, balance forward and back and Star Thru.2nd Corners - 2nd Man with 1st Lady repeat that.

A2Join hands in a circle of 4 and balance in and out and Petronella 1 place Right – repeat all that and all are now back home.

B1Double Figure of Eight.

(1st Couple cross down thru and cast – While 2nd Couple cast up and cross down thru.)

B2All Do-si-do Partners and half Poussette 1st Man pushing, 2nd Man pulling.

[Composed for the Anniversary of June and Alan Butler Golden Wedding of 2003]


ROLLAWAY

5 Couple Circle – 5x48 Reels/Jigs

A1Join hands and go into the centre and back.Ladies Rollaway to the right – Gents Rollaway Left.

A2Repeat all A1.

B15 Ladies Chain, miss one and turn out with next.5 Ladies Chain, miss one and turn out with next.

B25 Ladies Chain, miss one and turn out with next.All Do-si-do new Partners.

C1All Do-si-do Corners and Swing Corners.

C2Promenade Corners all the way round.

[October 1996]


CROSSTRAIL HEY

3 Couple Longways – 3x48 Reels/Jigs

A11st Man and 3rd Lady Right hand turn all the way and keep walking – Man down behind Ladies line and Lady up behind Gents line to change places.

A21st Lady and 3rd man Left hand turn all the way and keep walking – Man up behind Ladies line and Lady down behind Gents line to change places.

B1All Do-si-do Partners and 2nd Couple 2 hand turn once and a half round.

B2Bottom Couple arch and others Cross Trail down thru arch and cast up. Lines go forward and back.

C1Top Couple face down others face up and dance a Grimstock Hey (in from the ends).

C2All face Partners balance Right and Left twice and Swing.All finish proper.

[October 1996]


MY OLD MAN

Square Set – Intro + 7x32 + Tag

CHORUS:- { Circle Left }My old Man said follow the van and don't dilly Dally on the way.Four Men Star Left I don't mean maybe.Now back with the Right and go pass your Lady.Allemande Left your Corner.Now Do-si-do your Partner.Go full around and promenade her home – I stopped on my way to have a drink or two and now I can't find my way home.

Figure:-Head {Side} Couples Promenade halfway round the square.All join hands go into the middle and back.Side {Head} Couples Promenade halfway round the square.All join hands and circle Left halfway there.Allemande Left your Corners.Allemande Right your Partners.Swing your Corner Lady.Promenade – I stopped on my way just to see old friends and now I can't find my way home.

[Chorus – Heads x 2 – Chorus – Sides x 2 – Chorus]

[October 1997]


ABIGAIL'S REEL

4 Couple Longways – 4x32 Bar Reels

A1In fours Right hand and Left hand Stars.

{All face up the set holding nearest hands}

A2All lead up four paces and Slip sideways away from Partner four paces.All fall backwards four paces and Slip in sideways towards Partners and face Partners.

B1All Do-si-do Partners Right Shoulders.All two hand turn Partners all the way round.

B21st Couple gallop down to the bottom of set.Others move up. All Swing Partners.

[For our beautiful Great Niece Abigail – October 1998]


THE GAULBY GALLOP

5 Couple Longways – 5x48 Reels/Jigs

A1Five Men join hands and lead round 1st Lady and down behind Ladies line and back up to place.

A2Five Ladies repeat the same round Men's Line.

B1Lines go forward and back and Do-si-do Partners.

B2Lines go forward and back and 2 hand turn Partners.

C15th Couple Gallop up centre and back.

C2

1st Couple Gallop down the centre to the bottom - while others move up.All swing Partners.

[Composed for the Annual Gaulby Barn Dance – June 19th 1999]


WEAVE THE SQUARE

Square Set – 4x48 Reels/jigs

A11st Couple cross and weave round the set and meet Partners behind 3rd Couple.Lead thru 3rd Couple to own place and California Twirl.

A21st Couple separate to side couples.1st Man and 4th Couple Left hand Star – While 1st Lady and 2nd Couple Right hand Star.1st Couple Swing in centre to place.

B11st and 3rd Couples Ladies Chain and back.

B2All Allemande Left Corners and Do-si-do Partners.

C1Sides Face and Grand Square.

C2Reverse Grand Square.

{Repeat - 2nd - 3rd - 4th Couples Leading}

[October 31st 1999]


BECKETT FOR WOODBRIDGE

4 Couple Beckett Longways – 4x48 Reels/Jigs

A1Lines forward to meet and back.Right hand Couples Right and Left Thru diagonally Left.

A2Lines forward to meet and back.Left hand Couples Right and Left Thru diagonally Right.

B1Ladies Chain across the set halfway.All four Ladies Chain halfway.

B2Ladies Chain across the set halfway.All four Ladies Chain halfway.

C1Face Partners and passing Right Shoulders Reel of Four all the way along lines.

C2Right and Left Thru across the set halfway.All Swing Partners and face across the set.

[May 2004]


DAVID'S THREE SCORE CELEBRATION

4 Couples Longways, 1's and 3's improper – 4x32 Steady Jigs

A1Centre four Right hand Star all the way round.In fours {2 stars} Left hand Stars all the way.

A2Gents Chain across the set and back.{1st and 2nd - 3rd and 4th Gents giving Right hands across}

{Ladies courtesy turn them holding Left hands}

B11st and 2nd Couples Half Right and Left Thru across.1st and 3rd Couples Half Right and Left Thru across.

B21st and 4th Couples Half Right and Left Thru across.All Do-si-do Partners.

[To celebrate the 60th Birthday of David] [Chairman of the Salisbury Folk Dance Club – July 2000]


DOUBLE GYPSY MELTDOWN

Big Circle – 32 Reel/Jig

A1All into the centre and back.All Swing your Corners and end in a promenade position (Men inside).

A2Promenade 4 paces and Men cast out Left to the Lady behind and Do-si-do and remain facing out Ladies facing in.

B1Give Right hands and half turn Right andGypsy Left Shoulders round next person. Give Right hand to the one you did the Do-si-do with and half Right hand turn.Gypsy Left Shoulder round previous Partner.

B2Come back to new Partner and Balance Right and Left twice.All Swing.

{Finish in Big Circle Facing Centre}

[While driving home from Colchester][November 5th 2000]


THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY SQUARESquare Set – 4x64 Bar Reels/Jigs

A1 / A2Sides Face:- Grand Slide and Reverse Grand Slide.

B1Four Ladies Chain halfway.Head Ladies Chain to the Right halfway.

B2Four Ladies Chain halfway.Head Ladies Chain to the Right halfway.

A3Ladies Left hand Star and Right hand Star While the Men promenade to the Right all the way round the set.

A4Do-pa-so – {Partner by Left – Corner by Right – Partner by Left – Into Promenade Hold With Corners}.

B3Promenade Corners all the way round to Gents home place.

B4All Balance Right and Left twice and Swing.

[For Phoebe and George Cropton'sGolden Wedding Anniversary]

[26th March 2001]


SQUARE CREATION

Square Set – 4x48 Bar Reels/Jigs

A1Join hands in a circle go into the centre and back.All Swing Partners.

A2Head Couples half Right and Left Thru.Sides Couples half Right and Left Thru.

B1Heads diagonally Right with a Right and Left Thru.Sides straight across with a Right and Left Thru.

B2New Heads diagonally right with a Right and Left Thru.Sides straight across with a Right and Left Thru.

C1

All four Ladies Chain Across.All four Ladies Chain back – pass your Partner.

C2Left hand Turn new Partner and Swing and reform the square.

(Ladies have progressed 1 place clockwise.)

[November 18th 2001]


THE RUBY WEDDING REEL

4 Couple Longways 2nd and 4th Couples improper4x48 bar Reels/Jigs

A1In fours Circle Left all the way round and Ladies Chain across the set {1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th}.

A2Repeat all of A1.

B11st and 2nd Couples half Right hand Star.1st and 3rd Couples half Left hand Star.1st and 4th Couples Right hand Star all the way round.

B21st and 3rd Couples half Left hand Star.1st and 2nd Couples half Right hand Star.All Do-si-do Partners.

C11st and 2nd Couples half Right and Left Thru across the set.1st and 3rd Couples half Right and Left Thru across the set.

C21st and 4th Couples half Right and Left Thru across the set.All Do-si-do your Partners.

[2001]


AN AUTUMN DREAM

5 Couple Longways – 5x48 Bar Reels/Jigs

A1Top and Bottom Couples take two hands and Gallop up and down the set.

(Top Couple over the Ladies with the Man on the inside and Bottom Couple over the Men with the Lady on the

inside.)All Do-si-do Partners.

A2Repeat all of A1.

B1Middle Couple Turn Contra Corners.

(Middle Couple turn Partner Right and 1st Corners Left. Turn Partner Right and 2nd Corners Left. Turn Partner

Right on to own side of set.)

B2 / C11st Couple double Strip the Willow to bottom of set while others move up one place.

C2All Balance Right and Left twice and Swing Partners.

[November 2nd 2002]


GOLDEN STARS

5 Couple Longways 2nd and 4th Couples improper5x48 Steady Jigs

A11st and 2nd Couples half Right hand Star.1st and 3rd Couples half Left hand Star.1st and 4th Couples half Right hand Star.1st and 5th Couples half Left hand star.

A21st Couple arch and other Couples lead down thru the arch and Cross Trail and cast up. (Order now 5-4-3-2-1-.)B11st and original 2nd Couple half Left hand Star.1st and original 3rd Couple half Right hand Star.1st and original 4th Couple half Left hand Star.1st and original 5th Couple half Right hand Star.

B21st Couple arch and other Couples lead up thru the arch and Cross Trail and cast down. (Order now 1-2-3-4-5.)

C11st Man and 2nd Man change places by the Right hand.1st Man and 3rd Man change places by the Left hand.1st Man and 4th Man change places by the Right hand.1st Man and 5th Man change places by the Left hand.

C21st Lady and 2nd Lady change places by the Left hand.1st Lady and 3rd Lady change places by the Right hand.1st Lady and 4th Lady change places by the Left hand.1st Lady and 5th Lady change places by the Right hand.

[Composed for the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Margaret and Eric Burdett – January 1996]


BUBBLES

Large Circle

A1Into the middle and out.Do-si-do your corner.

A2Into the middle and out.Do-si-do your Partner.

B1Face Partner, pull-by the Right hand, Left hand turn next.Face Partner, pull-by the Right hand, Left hand turn your corner.

B2Do-si-do your Partner and pass by the Right Shoulder onto the next and Swing.


JOHN'S CALIFORNIA CONTRA

Longways Becket – 32 bar American Reels

A1Texas Do-si-do.--- Left hand turn Partner and Gents pass Right Shoulders and Right hand turn Opposite and Gents pass Left Shoulders and Left hand turn Partner into a ---

A2Ladies Chain there and back.

B1Right and Left Thru diagonally to the Left (if you can.Right and Left Thru straight across the set.

B2Face Partner for a Star Thru (Man's Right to Ladies Left) and a California Twirl (same hands).Do-si-do Partner.

[1989]


TWISTER4 couples, partner by side (Becket)

A1Right hand end couples promenade through opposite couple and turn left to face a new couple.Half Right and Left through across.

A2New Right hand end couples promenade through opposite couple and turn left to face a new couple.Half Right and Left through across.

B1In fours Right hand Star.Middle four Left hand Star to face Partners.

B2Quick Swing Partner and promenade 3 places round the set.


BOB'S BIRTHDAY CONTRALongways – 1s improper

A1Face neighbour, with man's Right hand and Ladies Left, balance forward and back and Star Through.Face Partner across the set, balance forward and back and Star Through.

A2Ladies Chain up and down the set, there and back.

B1Double Figure of Eight, 1st couple crossing up to start.

B2Join hands, circle Left halfway.Pass through up and down set.Swing Partner and face new Neighbour.

Written for Bob Whapples' 60th Birthday 2007


SIX-O REEL FOR MAUREEN4 Couple Longways

A1Do-si-do Partner Right Shoulder.Right hand turn on Right diagonal.

A2Do-si-do Partner Left Shoulder.Left hand turn on Left diagonal.

B1In fours, Right hand Star, Left hand Star.

B2Middles face ends for a full reel of four on sides.

C11st Couple lead down set and make an arch at bottom WHILE others lead up, cast down and lead up through the arch.

C2All balance x2 and Swing Partners.

Written for Maureen Lay 60th Birthday 2003


EURO GRANDEESquare set - 7x32

ChorusA1 Grand Square (no reverse).

A2 Four men Left hand Star, all promemande halfway.

B1 Reverse grand square.

B2 Four Ladies Right hand Star, all promenade halfway.

Figure A1 Four Ladies chain halfway. Head Ladies chain to the Left.

A2 Four Ladies chain halfway. Head Ladies chain to the Left.

B1 Do-si-do partner. Swing corner.

B2 Promenade to man's home.


COLONADE

Big Circle - 32 bar Reel or Jig A1 Balance twice and swing Partner - all face centre.

A2 Ladies to centre and back.Men to centre and turn back to face partners and MEN join hands to make arches.

B1 Ladies go under Partners Right arm - round the back and under Left arm and face Partner.

B2 All turn Partner by Right hand once and a quarter (men now facing clockwise) and Grand Chain Left-Right-Left and short promenade to face centre.

NB When I tried this dance found little time for promenade – suggest Men turn 3/4 AND GRAND CHAIN THE OTHER WAY. (Jim Marriott)


THE LAST RESORT

4 Couple Longways - 2nd and 4th Couples Improper – 48 Bar Jig

A1In fours, Ladies Chain across the set.Circle Left in fours.

A2In fours, Ladies Chain across the set.Circle Right in fours.

B1Face along the sides and do Reel of four all the way.

B21st and 2nd Couples do half Right hand Star.1st and 3rd Couples do half Left hand Star.1st and 4th Couples do half Right hand Star.All turn Single Right.

C1Lines forward and back and all Do-si-do Partners.

C2Ladies Flutterwheel and sweep a quarter and all pass through.


TRIBUTE TO BILL

Sicilian Circle – 32 bar Jig or Reel

A1Join hands in a circle of four and circle Left all the way round. Keep hold of hands and balance in and out. Drop hands and pass thru to meet another Couple.

A2Join hands in a circle and repeat all of A1.

B1Ladies Chain and back with next Couple, up and down the set.

B2Do-si-do your Opposite and Swing your Partner and finish facing a new couple.

Composed October 2005 as a tribute to BILL WALDING a member and caller for 50 years at Northampton FDC, on his leaving the

area to live with his daughter in Avon, at the age of 94.


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