BACKGROUND INFORMATION The moves for this dance have been taken from the quadrilles and used with a traditional style of dancing. The idea is that only half the set is present and dancers therefore have to dance from different positions in order to complete the pattern. This has a spiral effect for the dancers thus the name 'Corwedhen' literally meaning a 'spiral' or 'whirlpool'. DANCE NOTATIONS Formation
A Half set, i.e. two couples facing each other. Step
'One two three hop' step. Hold
Gentleman holds lady's left hand in his right.
Bars 8 Bars introduction (optional) Honour partners and opposite couple 1 4
Couples change places as follows: Both couples moving at the same time make a
quarter turn to their left and then a quarter
turn backwards to opposite sides. Repeat move to return to places and finish
to face partner. 5 8
Set to partner, right hand turn, halfway round. 9 16
Ladies chain:
Ladies give right hand across, turn opposite gentleman left hand, give right hand across again, turn own partner one and a quarter turns. Partners dance away from each other a quarter of the way around the set to meet other lady or man. 17 32
Repeat bars 1 16 with new partner from this position. 33 36
Ladies advance and retire, set right and left. 37 40
Ladies give right hand across and change places, Set right and left. 41 44
Ladies give right hands across, Set right and left to partner. (Men should continue stepping throughout bars 33 44) 45 48
Passing partners right shoulder dancers continue one quarter the way round the set to meet new partner. 49 64
Men repeat bars 33 48 65 72
First lady and second man give right hands across and change places. Return giving left hands across, stopping in the middle hands still held. Pick up partner's hand, all set in line to first lady's right then left. All swing around centre hand to opposite places, first gentleman passing his lady in front of him. 73 76
First lady and second man advance, she 'slaps' his face, retire. They advance again this time he 'slaps' her face, both retire (faces appear to be slapped but recipient actually claps own hands behind back). 77 80
Couples advance and retire and change sides as per bars 1 8. 81 96
First man and second lady repeat bars 65 80 TUNE/SONG The suggested tune for this dance is Polka Covath. Ray Delf composed this tune in memory of Charlie Bate who was a fellow accordionist from. Charlie had a distinctive style of playing which Ray has endeavoured to capture.
