The Dance

Printer friendly dance instructions.

This dance needs a good drummer. Different figures require different drumming and it’s mostly a matter of experience working it out. Eg. Most of the dance will be drummed on the first and third beat as normal, but ‘Drill Square’ will benefit from drumming on every beat, as this matches better to what the dancers are doing.

The band will also find that varying their style of play is useful. On the more flowing figures like ‘Go Right’, play smoothly. On more militaristic figures like ‘Drill Square’, go for a more staccato style.

The band should miss out the last note on the final figure, except for the drummer who should strike as hard as they can to give us a nice distinctive gunshot. (If you haven’t got a drummer, just shout ‘Bang’.)

Number of dancers: This dance can be done with any even number, but it probably looks best when done a single pair. If you do have multiple sets up, make sure there is space between the to swing the sticks without hitting anyone you shouldn't be.

The dance is mostly standard stepping, but there are several figures that involve marching/stomping.

Introduction (A)

Dancers trade insults/throw down gauntlets/strike partner with their hats/etc.

Chorus (B)

Hold stick in right hand and assume a sword-fighting stance. The sticking should look a little bit like a theatrical sword-fight.

Count	Moves
1–8	Sticking is forehand, backhand, alternating, for six strokes, then draw the stick out and down to your right hand side on seven, and bring it back for a larger clash on eight.
9–16	Backhand, forehand for six strokes, then draw the stick out and down to your right hand side on fifteen, and bring it back for a larger clash on sixteen.

Parade (A)

Count	Moves
1–2	Take two small steps forward, passing right shoulders with your partner and clashing sticks with them on two.
3–4	Two large steps forward.
5	Step back onto right foot, while doing a quarter turn left on spot, which will keep your stick hand on the outside of the set. This breaks the normal ‘turn right’ rule, but it makes the ground strike work better.
6	Step back onto your left foot and strike your stick on the ground in front of you. Keep your weight on your left foot. Really extend your arm out for the ground strike.
7–8	Do another quarter turn left to face your partner, and take two large steps forward.
9–16	Repeat all this to return to place.

Chorus (B)

See chorus

Guard (A)

Count	Moves
1–2	Non-squire’s side hold their sticks horizontally, one end in each hand. Squire’s side raise their sticks two-handed (for better control) over their heads and bring them down to strike on 2. It’s important not to hit too hard — make it look more dramatic than it actually i.)
3–4	Repeat 1–2. The action is improved if the non-squire’s side raise their horizontal sticks to meet the blow and then move down a little with it.
5–6	Non-squire’s side half-turn left and hold their sticks horizontally above, and slightly behind, their heads. ‘Turn right’ rule broken for safety reasons. You need to come out of this figure turning left so that your stick is moving in the right direction for the subsequent forehand strike.
	Squire’s side strike the stick on six. Do not hit too hard. If you mistime the strike, you don’t want to mash your partner’s fingers.
7–8	Non-squire’s side half-turn left, switching back to a one hand hold on the stickas they do so, and forehand strike with their partner on eight.
9–16	Repeat above, but with the non-squire’s side being the active dancers and the squire’s side being the ‘defenders’.

Chorus (B)

See chorus

Go Right (A)

Use as much space as is available.

Count	Moves
1–4	Quarter turn right and step four along the set.
5–8	Half turn right and go back again. Clash sticks with your partner on eight.
9–11	Carry on in the same direction for another four steps.
12–16	Half turn right and take four steps back to place.

Chorus (B)

See chorus

Drill Square (A)

For this figure, rest the stick on your shoulder as though it was a rifle being carried at inspection. Stand straight and move crisply. March throught the figure, lifting one foot into the new position and bringing the other down smartly beside it.

Count	Moves
1–2	Step right (while facing forwards).
3–4	Step forward with right foot, passing left shoulder with your partner.
5–6	Still facing forward, sep left with left foot.
7–8	Step backwards with your left foot.

Now reverse the figure.

Count	Moves
1–2	Step forward with right foot.
3–4	Step right with right foot.
5–6	Step backwards with right foot.
7–8	Step left with left foot.

Chorus (B)

See chorus

Duel (A)

More marching and rifle holding in this one. You want to be holding your stick near its butt.

Count	Moves
1–4	Take one step towards your partner, then march on the spot for three.
5–8	Right spin around and march three steps away from your partner.
9–12	March on the spot for four, facing away from your partner.
13	Turn right to face partner.
14	Step forward onto your right foot, leaning down to hit the butt of your stick against the ground as you do so.
15	Step onto your left foot and hit the ground with the tip of your stick.
16	Feet together. Lift and hold your stick as if you were aiming a rifle, bracing the butt against your shoulder and ‘shoot’ your partner.
	Die dramatically.