BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Borough History of Launceston records local use of the expression 'to dance the Phibbie', and Halliwel Phillips 'Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words' describes 'to dance the phoebe' as part of the surviving words of a very old song: "Cannot you dance the Phoebe
Don't you see what pains I take
Don't you see my shoulder shake
Cannot you dance the Phoebe?" The only 'Phoebe' found, however, was 'Phoebe's Delight' in John Johnsons '200 favourite Country Dances' published in 1750. This original dance was modified by Cornish dance group Cam Kernewek in order to make it slightly more lively and up to date. The details of this dance are below. DANCE NOTATIONS Formation
Three couple long ways set Step
Skip step throughout Hold
Gentleman takes Lady's left hand in his right Bars (A)
1 - 8
First couple cast to bottom of set, dance up the centre and cast off one place. 9 - 10
Right Hand Star with Third Couple 11 - 14
Rights and lefts with second couple. 15 - 16
First couple continue to finish facing first corners. (B)
17 - 20
First couple 'foot it' to first corner and turn. 21 - 24
First couple 'foot it' to second corner and turn. 25 - 32
First couple dance out through bottom, cast up one place, then cross to own sides of dance as they return bottom of set, Lady crossing first. Repeat twice more to complete dance. TUNE/SONG The suggested tunes for this dance are Phoebe, Off She Goes and Ker Syllan, although any 32 bar jig would be suitable.
