BACKGROUND INFORMATION Informant
Mrs Shiela Buse, Bude, May 1980. Sheila Buse remembered doing this dance as a child in the 1930s in Bude. She commented that it was still a progressive dance when she was a child but has since lost this feature. This was originally collected and referred to as the 'Bude Furry', however as research continued it was clear this was a common dance across North Cornwall, and has since changed its name accordingly as it was remembered by people who danced it in schools before the second world war along the North Coast as far as Newquay. The tune Bodmin Riding was chosen for this dance when originally collected, Bodmin being a prominent North Cornwall town. The tune was noted in Old Cornwall Oct 1927 by W J P Burton, and apparently given in manuscript form by Thomas Quiller Couch for the Royal Institute of Cornwall Journal in l864. DANCE NOTATIONS Formation
Processional dance for two couples (ie Duple Minor Set) in a line. STEP
'One two three hop' step Hold
Hands held crossed in front. Bars A
1 8
Couples take eight steps forward all moving in same direction. B
9 12
All right hand star 13 16
All left hand star Repeat as often as wished TUNE/SONG The suggested tune for this dance is Bodmin Riding. Despite its name, the same tune is also used in the 'St Ives Well Procession' with the following words attached: Come let us sing this merry little lay
As we lightly sprightly dance on the way
May we all rejoice, with heart and voice
So great this maiden from afar Her steadfast faith an ever guiding star
To light our path wherever we are
Truth light and love, ever shining from above
The Message of St Eia.
