BACKGROUND INFORMATION Informant
Esme Francis, 1981 Mrs Francis (Harpist for the Cornish Gorsedh) noted this dance from a man called John Williams of Boscreggan in the mid 1970s. He recalled travelling to Newlyn on a horse and cart and seeing fishermen do this dance. He described it as a dance for men but it works well with couples and it is also easier to describe using the convention 'ladies on the gentleman's right'. DANCE NOTATIONS Formation
Circular dance for as many as will. For part A, arms are outstretched to rest on the shoulders of the person on either side. For part B, arms should be folded on the chest. Steps
The basic step is as follows: 'Bring the right foot to the right and close left' three times, then right foot to right and kick left foot to right. Repeat to left reversing rights and lefts. Bars (A)
1 16
All step to right and left twice
17 24
Ladies advance, clap and retire 25 32
Gentlemen advance, clap (or shout `HOY`) and retire. All turn to face partners (B)
33 40
All step right and left, turn to face other partner 41 48
All step right and left, turn to face original partner. 49 56
All step right and left, turn to face new partner 57 64
All step right and left, as the ladies move left they move on slightly forward to pass new partner so that they will be on their right side when circle reforms.
The circle is reformed, the ladies having moved on one place. The dance is repeated as often as desired with the music gradually becoming faster. TUNE/SONG The tune suggested for this dance is Newlyn Reel. If using the tune, part 'A' of the tune may be played in a staccato style and part 'B' more flowing to mimic the dance.
