Playford Style Dances
Properly known as English Country Dances but generically called
'Playford', after a prolific 17th century publisher, although there
are similar dances not published by Playford and similar dances being
written today.
This style of dancing has no swings but it does have 'up a double
and back' (walk forward 4 steps and back) and 'turn single' (walk
round on the spot for 4 steps). Go for graciousness.
A few very easy ones that can be used in barn dances. They are commonly danced
to their own specific tune
Oh Dear What Can the Matter Be
Published by Thompson, 1794; this version from 'Caller's
Choice 2'.
Formation: Longways, men on the left when facing up, women on the right (i.e.duple
proper)
Music: Jigs, e.g. own tune.
- A1: 1st woman and 2nd man balance forward, fall back, come
forward to turn each other once round.
- A2: 1st woman and 2nd man ditto.
- B1: 1s lead down walking, come back dancing and cast to second
place.
- B2: The couples go round each each with a whole poussette: i.e. take two
hands with partner and look at each other, 1st man pushes while second man
pulls, each couple edges round the other, and back to where they started,
then turn to the new neighbours for A1.
Make sure the dancers can do A1 readily; getting the timing is not always easy
for novices. You'll also have to explain the poussette and remind them who pushes.
The Geud Man of Ballangigh
Published by Playford, 1698
Formation: Longways, men on the left when facing up, women on the right (i.e.duple
proper)
Music: Usually danced to 'Hunt the Squirrel' (not the morris version).
- A1: 1s lead down between the 2s, then cast back to place (8 steps); then
the two men lead across the set between the women and cast back to place (8)
- A2: 2s up between the 1s and cast to place; then the two women lead between
the men and cast back to place.
- B1: 1st man sets to 2nd woman, moving forward (4 steps), while she simpers
or curtseys to him or whatever she deems appropriate, and then the 1st man
turns single, ending back in place (4); then the 1st woman does likewise to
the 2nd man.
- B2: All circle left half way (8 steps); all set right and left, moving forward
(4) and cross with partner (passing right shoulder) (4).
The Fast Packet
Back to home page
Last updated 10 July, 2002