BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Playford includes the 'Cornish Squire' in his collection 'The Dancing Master' published in 1650. He gives no indication as to the origins of the dance or why it is called the 'Cornish' Squire in particular. The Playford moves have therefore been arranged to fit with a Cornish Style of dance and music. Playford Family John (1623 1686) son Henry (1657 1707) and nephew (?) John published the Dancing Master in successive editions for 70 years from 1651 to 1728. This was the first time the traditional and more contemporary dances were put into print together with associated tunes. Both traditional tunes and those composed by other people were published at a time when the commonwealth was in power and puritans frowned upon gaiety. John Playford was a contemporary and friend of Henry Purcell and apparently published some of the composer's early work (Ref Frank Kidson Musical Quarterly vol 4 no 4 Oct 1918). The Cornish Squire is included in 9th Edition of the Dancing Master. Dunstan includes the Tune with his own arrangement in Lyver Canow Kernewek 1932. DANCE NOTATIONS Formation
Three couple longways set Step
'One two three hop' step Hold
Gentleman holds ladies left hand in his right at comfortable shoulder height. Bars 1 8
Head couple swing right arm once right around, then cast off one place on own side to end up: Lady, between second couple, all facing up the dance, hands held in line. Gentleman, between third couple, all facing down the dance, hands held in line. 9 10
All dance two steps forward. 11 16
Then reel of three across the dance (first man and first lady each turning to their right and beginning reel by passing right shoulders). On the last bar of the reel dancing couple leave the reel to swing and end up facing up the dance, lady in her partners right hand. 17 24
Dancing couple dance between second couple and cast off one place. Lady passes in front of gentleman and they dance a figure of eight around third couple to finish
in third place. TUNE/SONG The suggested tune for this dance is the 'Cornish Squire'.
