This manuscript contains a description of quadrilles, of country dances, and two glossaries of figures with descriptions of how they were to be danced, descriptions of steps, and some anecdotes. Glossaries of figures were rare, and this one comes at a time when the meaning of "Poussette" had just changed radically.

The title page of the manuscript reads "Contre=Danses À Paris 1818 &c" which suggests that the information on Quadrilles was obtained in Paris in 1818 (Shortly after the end of the Napoleonic wars reopened the Continent to British travelers). The section on Reel + Setting Steps is also dated 1818, as is the anecdote about waltzing in Scotland. The Country Dance section contains a dance title "Regent's Favorite [Now King's]" so that dance was recorded between 1820 (when George III died) and 1830 (when George IV, former Prince Regent, died).

There are also notes appended to the various sets of the plain quadrille (La Finale and L’Eté) some of which are dated 1849. Finally there is text in a fainter ink (or perhaps deliberately erased?), but in the same hand, which does not seem to be dated.

Reading though, one gets the impression that sometimes the author knew what he intended to say, but at other times is trying to work that out as he goes along. often crossing things out and rewriting them or making notes to himself in the margins (In one section the same drawing is done 7 times in a futile effort to get it right). Not all pages contain writing - as if he were leaving space for later corrections or additions.

If the Country Dance section were written before 1827 (as seems possible) then this is the earliest description of Petronella and Meg Merrilees that I'm aware of. Hugh Thurston said it contained the earliest reference to pas-de-basque setting from Scotland that he was aware of.

Unfortunately the manuscript is handwritten, in an old-fashioned hand, which I have difficulty reading. So I attempted to transcribe it as best I could, then Paul Cooper (of Regency Dances.org) allowed me to use his transcription to correct mine.

I have attempted to retain the original spelling, but given the difficulty I have in reading the document I am likely to have added blunders. The author does not seem to have distinguished between grave and acute accents, seeming to use è or é (or e or ė) indiscriminately. He also has a tendency to use an abbreviation style that we aren't used to any more "for^d:" means "forward", "genⁿ:" means "gentleman", etc. Oh, and &c means etcetera.

License: The original manuscript is out of copyright. It was provided to me courtesy of the National Library of Scotland's digitization service. If I have any rights in my transcription I waive them under a Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication (CC0).

Contre=Danses
À Paris
1818
&c

Quadrille and Waltzing	19
Historical Note	19
Quadrille French Terms	7-15
Quadrille Figures detailed	41
Pantalon	47
Ete	49
Poule	51
Trenise	55
Finale	59

Pastoràle and other additional figures	61 &
Quadrille terms Expl:d	119
English Country Dances, Terms explained.	83
Reel or Setting Steps	151
Exercises	173
Sundry steps	175-180
Strathspey steps	181
Introduction	183
Terms explained	191
Strathpsey steps	195
Scotch Reel Steps	211
Country Dances (missing page)	223
The Triumph	225
Cady Caroline Lee's Waltz	227
Clydesdale Lasses	227
Lady of the Lake	229
L of L New way	231
Lady of the Manor	233
Calvar Lodge	233
Meg Merrilees	235
Medley	237
Patronelle	241
Speed the Plough	241
The Honeymoon	243
Waterloo	243
Regent's Favorite New Way	245
" " Old way	245

Pantalon

Transcriber: These descriptions are basically the same as those in Payne's 1st Set of Quadrilles.

Chaine Anglaise

Balancez a vos dames

Un tour de mains

Chaine des dames

Demi queue de chat

[ou demi promenade]

Demi Chaine Anglaise

Contre Partie

Eté

En avant deux

Chassez, Dechassez

Traversez

Chassez, Dechassez

Balancez a vos dames

Contre deux et

Contre Partie

Poule

La main droite a la dame de vis a vis

Traversez main gauche en main gauche

Les Dames donnent la main droite a leurs Cavaliers. Balancez quatre sans vous quitter

Demi queue de chat [ou demi Promenades]

En avant deux

Dos a Dos

En avant quatre

Demi Chain Anglaise

Contre deux et

Contre Partie

Trenise

Chaine des dames

Balancez a vos dames

Un tour des mains

Un Cavalier conduit sa dame deux fois en avant el la laisse a la gauche du Cavalier de vis a vis.

Les deux dames traversent a la place opposèe et dans la meme position pendant que la Cavalier traverse au milieu. Le Cavalier faite un rigaudon et les dames ferent un chasse croiser

Les Cavaliers balancent, avec les dames.

Contre deux et

Contre Partie

Finale

Chassez crosser dechasse

Ete

Chassez crosser dechasse

Contre deux et

Contre Partie

1849 Now altered to

Chassez; or gallope, round once; all [or advance + retire twice] —	8b
1^st set: advance + retire and cross over: [or change partners.] —	8b
— Chaines des dames. —	8b
— Adv: + Retire; + cross over [or re:exchange partners.] —	8b
Chassez; or gallope, round once; all round once [or advance + retire twice] —	8b
In all	40b

Note 1818.

During the long war; we could neither get dances nor any thing else, conveniently from the French, that nation of dancers.

In april 1814, however Bonaparte went to Elba; and several teachers shortly thereafter went to Paris; from which place they imported Waltzing and the Quadrille.

It was not however till 1815, that they acquired the true French style; and it was still several years before it came to be generally

introduced, as the quadrille now is, to private parties.

With regard to Waltzing it was the rage in Scotland but only for a very short period, not exceeding two years; nor can any reason be given for its disuse excepting a ludicrous circumstance which made some noise at the time, after which Waltzing almost immediately died away, has never since been revived.

The Earl of Wemyss had a waltzing party to which several persons of distinction were invited and among others some military officers.

One of these officers being thin+slender, and having a sort of Lady-face got himself dressed as a female, unknown to the whole party; with the exception of his friend who introduced him as Lady Corstorphine. No such noble Lady had been heard of before, by any of the party; but as her Ladyship seemed handsome and was elegantly dressed, she was of course well received! The Waltzing accordingly went on; but in the course of it, Lady Corstorphine fell on the floor on her back, and her partner right over on his face above her. The party were instantly thrown

into confusion, and the waltzing stopped for that evening. From that evening waltzing fell into disrepute and completely died away!

[Very much I think to the honour of Scotland.*]

It is still taught to children and the steps are worth learning for doing the Pousset in the ordinary Country dances.

* I say this not on account of incident above related, but on account of the general indecency of many of the attitudes).

The Strathspey steps are not in disuse & ought by all means to be kept up being the only sort of dancing we have, strictly national and peculiar to Scotland.

Reel of three.

N^o. 1.

Each Lady chasses round and returns to her former place

The Gentleman sets first to the one Lady and then to the other as in the Reel of Four. ?But/Back.

The figure described by each individual is the figure 8.

N^o. 2.

Same with N^o. 1 excepting that each individual takes a turn in the middle in rotation. At the change each individual chasses a place further than in N^o. 1. and for ~~one~~ two turns at the middle is ~~twice~~ once at either extremity.

Reel of four.

Properly it ought always to have the cross in the middle thus;

The practice of going quite round is not nearly so elegant;

but it was introduced from England two or three years ago under the name of "fashionable", most probably because in England this reel was never properly understood or valued.

Reel of Eight.

N^o. 1.

Eight hands all round —	8b.
Ladies right hands across; gentlemen outside; half round —	4b.
Gentlemen right H^ds. across Ladies outside, back again. —	4b.
Set and turn partners	8b.
The Grand Chaine; [right and left all round.]	8b.
In all —	32b.

Reel of Eight.

N^o. 2.

Four Couples arranged in two lines as for a Country Dance.

8 hands all round —	8b.
Set & turn partners —	8b.
Hands across in two parties, one at top, one at bottom; — and back again. —	8b.
Hands round in two parties; " " — and back again.	8b
Pousset 1^st: with 2^d: + 3^d: with 4^th: Couples.	8b
The Chase or Procession as in "Les Lanciers" 7 Chasses + jette Assemble	8b
In all —	48b.

Quadrille

The music is similar to that used in ordinary country dances, being divided into parts of 4 bars; [=4 D Steps] each. Four of these parts generally make the tune.

Four couples make a party. At the outset they stand thus.

Before commencing, the party stands till 8b. of the music are played; and they do the same at the commencement [of] each new figure. At the end of the first 4 b. salute.

Chasse R. before
" L. before
" alternate
" commencing
Jetté R. before
" L. before
Assemble R. before
" L. before
Glissade R. before
" L. before
Commencement of the first gentleman's figure denoted by
the small mark
His partner	or
Opposite gentleman
Opposite lady

Figure I. Le Pantalon

			8
1.	Right & Left 2 Couple See P.77	And back again	4.b. 4.
1.	Set to Partners and turn them 2. C.		4. 4.
1.	Ladies Chain 2.C.	Repeated.	4. 4.
1.	Half Promenade and Half Right and Left 2.C.		4. 4.
These two couples then stop ?while the other two have done the same in the cross direction. Then the whole stop till 8 bars are played: after which the two couples who began proceed to Figure II.			32 8 80

1. Here you advance freely but retire less ?than you have advanced because (you) have to dance to the right and left in a parallel line before your Partner. You were in the same line with her when you get out.

New "Etè" (probably a later addition)

1. For^d 3 slides + Assemblé left behind back 3 " + Ass: R: before Repeated.

2. Four slides: one chasse: then Jetté L. before + assemb. Right before.

3. For^d and back as in 1. Repeated

4. Votre avec Contre Deux

Stand	16b
Set & be turned	8b
Votre avec Contre Partie
Stand	8b

Figure II. L"Eté

		8
1.	First Gentleman and opposite Lady advance and retire.	4.
2.	Dance to the right and	2.
3.	then to the left. Cross over to the opposite corner and dance again to the right and:	2. 4. 2.
4.	to the left as before. In going back to your original place set to your partner and turn them.	2. 4. 4.
	Most of this figure is by a gentleman and the contre lady. But when these have gone over it their partners commence and do the same.	24.
	Then the other two couples commence and do the same	48.
	After which 8 bars; and then proceed	8
	to Figure III	184

ˣ The mark shows where the Gentleman + Lady passing each other give the right or left hand.

ˣ See this mark ??? See also the full right + left Figure described P. 77

†. 3. Here while setting the Ladies face one way their partners the opposite way.

‡ 5. Each Gentleman with his partner is now at the opposite end from which they set out to which he is immediately to return by half right + left. See next Page.

Figure III. La Poule

		184
1.	First Gentleman and opposite Lady cross over giving the right hand.	4
2.	They then cross 2/3^ds. back again giving the left which they retain. They then give right hand to partners.	4
3.	All the four then set in a line: hands joined as above.†. After setting Half Promenade	4 4
4.	Lady with opposite gentleman advance and retire. Partners standing still	4
5.	The same two advance and retire; passing round each other dos a dos.	4
		208

ˣ This mark shows where the gentleman + Lady passing each other give the right + left hands.

Votre avec Contre Deux

Stand	8b
Give your Partner your right & set all four in line	4b
Join left hands also & Promenade Half	4b
Stand	8b
All four advance & retire	4b
Half Right & Left	4b
In all	32

Votre avec Contre Partie	64
Stand

		208
6.	The four advance and retire. Hands joined.	4
7.	Then do Half right + left to their original places.	4
	Most of the above is done by the first gentleman and the opposite Lady. Of course when they are done his partner and the opposite gentleman commence and go over the same figure	32
	Then the same is done across by the other two couples.	64
	Then 8 bars all standing; after which the opening couples proceed to Figure IV.

Votre Avec Contre Deux

Ladies chain	8b
Set + Turn	8b
Advance + retire	8b
"	8b
Stand	8b
Set + turn	8b
	48b
Votre avec Contre Partie	96

Figure IV. La Trénise

			312
1.	Ladies Chain.	Repeated	4 4
2.	Set & turn Partners.		4 4
3.	With partners advance and retire.		4
4.	Advance with Partner and retire. She crosses over.		4 4
5.	Half Set advance and turn about. The Ladies cross over.		4
			340

		340
6.	Ladies Chain.	4
7.	Set & turn Partners. All round + back again	4 4
	After which Ladies chain immediately follows for the opposite couple who go over the same figure. —	40
	Then the other two couple do the same across. —	80
	Then 8b all standing	8

After which comes La Finale.

See next Page.

Chassé all round with partners.

I	32
II	24
III	32
IV	40
V	40
	168

Figure V. La Finale

			480
1.	Chasse across set. Chasse back again and set. Then		4
2.	L’Eté.	See P 48-49.	24
3.	Chasse across set. Chasse back again and set..		4 4.
	The same is then gone over by the opposite two. —		40
	Then by the other two couples across; and the whole is finished. —		80
	In All:		640. b.
	Mins:		16

But see P. 15.

60/1

*☞ Query? Contre Deux? 40 b

[Believed to be omitted here?]

Then See P 60/4 Note 3.

60/2

Figure V La Finale

[1849. P. 15.]

1.	All Chasse or galope round once [or advance retire twice]	8.b.
2.	First Set. (in couples, hands crossed.) Adv^ce + Retire; Cross over; [or change partners;]	4.b. 4.b.
3.	Ladies chain; double	8.b.
4.	Adv^ce + Retire (in couples, hands crossed) Cross over [or change partners:]	4.b. 4.b.
5.	All Chasse round once or galope [or adv. + retire twice]	8.b.
	Then:*	40. b.
	The Contrary Party;	80. b
	Total	160. b

60/3

*the advance + retire each couple join hands cross; and advance and retire as in the galope;
Also observe that in crossing.

60/4

Figure V La Finale

1849. Notes, on P. 60/2]

1.	All four "or"s are not expletive but alternative. If the room is large enough; + not too crowded; the figure first mentioned: if small + crowded the latter: or either alternative as may be agreed on:
2.	In* crossing over the Lady goes first: — In change partners, She goes over alone
3.	Contre Deux et Contre Partie; applies to all the fig^e. except fig: I.

60/5

Additional Figures

1. La Pastorale.

		8.b.
1.	Advance and retire with Partner	4.b.
2.	Advance with Partner and retire. She crosses over to the left of the opposite Gentleman	4.b.
3.	The three then opposite advance and retire twice. During this you stand still	8.b.
4.	You then (1 G.) dance 8b. alone. Half set & turn back; half set chassé forward and join the three
5.	Four hands half round.	4.b.
6.	Half right + left to Places.	4.b.
	Contre deux	24.b.
	Contre Partie	48.b.
	Total	104.b.

2. Garçon Volage.

		8.b.
1.	The 4. Ladies advance+retire.	4.b.
2.	The 4. Gentlemen do the same	4.b.
3.	The whole 8 set and turn Partners	8.b.
4.	First Lady alone	8.b.
5.	First Gentleman alone	8.b.
6.	All the 8 Promenade quite round.	8.b.
	2^d Lady &c.	40
	3^d Lady &c.	40
	4^th Lady &c.	40
	Total	168.b

Right & Left Part I

above
round
return

Lady's tracks

☞ The space or stretch it will be observed is occupied by these chassés. The mark at the end is omitted for want of room.

Right & Left Part II

...above
...move
...nits
...nihid
...nd an
erty.
...explode

See Part II Explained further in the two following pages.

Right & Left. Part II.

Transcriber: This page looks to me as if it had been deliberately erased, possibly several times. The images (themselves faint) looks as if they were drawn on top of earlier ones or earlier text. A kind of palimpsest.

I'm not even going to try to reconstruct this page. I think two reconstructions would be needed, but I can't see either text well enough. And anyway the author erased it. He didn't want it used.

Paul Cooper suggests the following:

[left of image] into contrary place by chassés.

[left of image] The l.[lady]moveintoret:d.by d: [do.]

[left of image] both lines seen together

Right and Left. Part I

The marks ˣ denote at which right and left hands are given. — 3 Chassès and Jettè Assemblè. 4.b.

Right & Left. Part II^d:

Right and Left.

The above is said to be the correct Parisian figure. Part II is the same with Part I: the couples having merely exchanged sides.

Country Dances

In describing these several terms ?occur, which it may be useful to explain.

1. Moulinet; or Hands across; or Hands four across

This requires no explanation; done by two couples as in the reel of 8. — Right hands across in going. Left hands in returning. 8.b.

2. Hands across half round.

I.e. right hands. Moulinet Part I. 4 b.

[Sometimes followed by ?half set, 4 b. to fill up the music.]

3. Hands across with left hand or "Hands with the left hand".

I.e. left hands Moulinet Part II. 4 b.

4. Hands four round or "Hands six all round".

Here the couples join hands so as to form a ring or chain; chassé round to the right + then to the left, back again 8. b.

5. Hands four at top.

Hands round in a ring or chain with the top Couple or a couple above you. Chassè to the right once round. + to the left back again 8b

6 Hands four round at bottom.

Do the same with the bottom couple or couple below you.

7 Lead down the middle and up again.

Chassé down with your partner holding her hand as in tour des mains. or rather holding her right hand by your left going down and her left by your right coming up. 8.b.

8. Cast off." "Cast off outsides or [as it is now usually termed] "leave off a couple."

Formerly after coming up the middle you went round to the outside and cut off the couple. This is now in disuse. They merely move up, and you leave them off, one couple in each figure.

9. Swing Corners.

The gentleman turns the 3^d: and 2^d Lady, while the Lady turns the 2^d and 3^d Gentleman. Un tour des mains at each of these four corners 8b=16b

In each turn the Gentleman and Lady turn quite round as on a circle. 4. b.

10 Gentlemen turn the Ladies with right hands.

Join right hands. Keep hold and Chassé round the usual circle.

11. Cast through the 3^d. and 2^d. couples or Figure eight round the 3^d. and 2^d. couples.

2^d Couple

3^d Couple

Transcriber: The author has seven drawings of this figure. He seems to have intended to draw the above, but I may be wrong. Hugh Thurston had a different idea - which didn't look like any of the original drawings to me. None of the drawings (not even Thurston's) seems to follow the description.

Here the Lady chasses thro the 3^d: Couple before her gentleman. He follows her. Then through she turns to the right and goes round the gentleman of couple 3^d: He turns to the left and goes round the lady of Couple 3^d: They then do the same to Couple 2^d: as in the common figure.

The same may be done with the 3^d + 2^d Couple if required merely reversing the order.

Transcriber: This is my guess as to what the author should have drawn:

2^d Couple

3^d Couple

12 Right and Left.

Is different a little from the quadrille right+left; for there you go quite round keeping your face one way.

Done by two couple; and the hands are given the same number of times as in the quadrille. The 1^st: gentleman in going gives his right hand to his partner + his left to the 2^d gentleman; on whom he immediately turns his back. In returning he gives his right hand to the 2^d Lady This must be a misprint for "his partner" + his left again to the 2^d gentleman he again turns his back. 4 b. & 4 b. = 8 b.

Transcriber: Hugh Thurston points out this does not involve a polite turn.

In the quadrille after giving the left hand you turn your face to the Ladies.

See Note on P. 99

13 Half right and left.

A way by which the first Gent: changes places with the 2^d Lady, and the 2^d Gent: with the first Lady. Right and left Part I. 4 b.

As of the second half a way of getting back to your places the above exchange having been previously made

14. Half right and left with the top couple.

Source

In this case the first gent: exchanges places with the Lady of the Couple above or top couple: giving the right hand to his partner [in going] and his left to the gentleman in going.

Note on Right + Left

The last term ?both suggests the path of the 2^d gentleman in right+left. He moves as the first Lady w^d. do in the quadrille In going, gives his right hand to his partner + then his left to the first gentleman; He moves quite round in a sort of circle but it is the opposite of the circle moved by the first gentleman

1^st: Gent:

2^d Gentⁿ:

101

15 Change Sides and set, back again and set.

May be done by one two or more couples

Two chassès across; giving the right hand to your partner. 2 b. Two Pas de Basque (having faced about), ?other? 2 b. = 4 b

The same back again.

?I.e. the same chassés across and set; as in La Finale.

103

16 Promenade three Couple.

The Gentlemen join both hands with their partners facing up the dance + Promenade once round so as to return to their places. 8 b.

Ladies arms uppermost always. Her left arm crosses your right midway between your wrist and elbow: as in the ?adjacent figure

The small marks [] show where hands should join.

In this promenade the gentlemen move very little off their line but the Ladies go round + thus make a larger circuit.

104

Pousset Ascend by the Satteuss waltzing Step.

Bar: 1. Right into Pos IV before Left into Pos: IV behind Follow after right into Pos: III.	½ ½
Bar: 2. Left into Pos: II Right into Pos: IV behind & Pirouette with a spring. into Pos III right before	½ ½
Bar: 3. The same as Bars 1 & 2
Bar: 5 & 6. " "
Bar: 7. Chassé for^d. with ?right
Bar: 8. Jette Assemble w^h. Right + Left

105

17 Poussette.

This figure is distinguished into Poussette, half Poussette and Double Poussette. Each of these three may also be distinguished into two kinds according as you ascend or descend in performing the figure.

The Poussette may be gracefully performed by the Sauteuse Waltzing step.

At each time two couples are employed one of whom ascends and the other descends in the figure. In half Poussette, of course they stop short in the middle and thus exchange places.

In Double Poussette ...

106

Pousset Descend.

Bar: 1. Same as Bar 2 P. 104

Bar: 2. Same as Bar 1 P. 104

Bar: 7. Same as bar 2 P. 104

Bar: 8. Same as bar 8 P. 104

107

the same couple repeat the figure successively with other two couples: first ascending and then descending. The Phrase is obviously improper. It ought to be simply "Poussette with the top + bottom couples."

In the half Poussette each couple describes half a circle, and in the course of it each couple turns round once. In full poussette they describe a full circle and turn each other round twice. In double poussette the dancing couple describes two circles, each of the other two couples one circle.

It is not easy to devise a figure for showing ...

108

109

the lines ...described in Poussette. You hold your Partner; as in Tour des mains. And

You describe lines similar to those in the ?adjacent diagrams.

1. Poussette ascend

2. Poussette descend


	Bottom Cu. improper

3. Half Poussette ascend

4. Half Poussette descend

111

4. Double Poussette or Poussette with the top + bottom Couples

In some country dances Poussette follows after the Ladies and G. have changed sides; but they must finish on their own sides. This is accomplished by making three turns only instead of four; and setting two bars to fill up the music. It might be also by making 5 turns where the room + music might allow it which seldom happens.

113

18. Three Ladies lead round three gentlemen.

The gentlemen stand still [or chassè across half set + retire.] while the Ladies dance to the right quite round the gentlemen. The Ladies have their hands joined as in "Hands round." and in the end are at their former places. 8b

19 Three Gentlemen lead round three Ladies.

The Ladies now stand still [or chassé set + retire.] while the gentlemen dance to the left quite round them. 8b

115

20 Allemand.

Transcriber: The document contains an entry for "Allemand" but where there should be a description, there is merely a blank space.

21. Hey: Contrary sides.

Gentleman reels three with the two opposite Ladies, the Lady with the two opposite gentⁿ. i.e. with top+bottom couples 8b

Hey on your own sides.

Gentleman reels three with top + bottom Gentlemen. Lady with the top + bottom Ladies. 8b

117

Hey Proper supposed

1. Set+Tern

2. Reel Three

See Terms used in Country Dances Cont. P 135

119

Quadrille terms

1. Right+Left. Chaine Anglaise.

Gentleman crosses over in a ?half figure eight giving the right h^d to opposite Lady + left to his Partner. 4. b.

Same back again 4 b.

— In all 8 b.

See P. 77.

2. Set + Turn
Balancez a vos dames & un tour des mains.

Dance opposite to your Partner 4 b. Join hands with her: arms round & extended. Turn both round on a circular line. 4 b

In all 8 b.

121

3. Ladies chain. Chaine des dames.

The Gentlemen dance round in the opposite line of the circle last mentioned. 4 b near the end of which they are joined respectively by the opposite Ladies.

The gentlemen then dance round again in the same figure and are joined by their partners.

It is their two Ladies who make the chain.

On joining they give and receive right hands with the gentlemen at each end.

Transcriber: Er, they should give left hands with the gentlemen

123

4. Half Promenade. Demi Promenade.

Nearly as in the Country Dance but; half; - is of course only 4 b. & in ?ow direction.

5. Advance + Retire. En avans & en ... .

Chassè for^d. - 1 b Jette + assemblé 1 b. In all 2 b Chassè backw^d. - 1 b and Jette + assemblé - 2 b.

In all 4 b

6. Dance to the Right + Left or Chassez et dechassez.

2 b to the right +
2 b to the left

4 b for all.

?Lunt variety of steps for this.

125

7. Traversez or Cross Over.

4 Chasses: [or 3 Chasses + Jette, Assemblè] 4 b

(Sometimes 1 Chassè glissade assemble; + 1 Chasse glissade assemble 4 h]

In the figure you move from one corner transversely to another.

8. Chassè across Chassè Croisez.

Chassè merely to the one side 2 b. and set to fill up the music 2 b

In all 4 b

127

9. Advance + Retire Dos a Dos.
[or simply Dos a Dos.]

Chassè for^d: jette, assemblè to the right; then Chasse back again + jette assemblè Passing the opposite Lady back to back.

Instead of Chassé back; you may turn and Chasse for^d: to your place turning round at the concluding Jettè Assemblé.

129

10. The Grand Chain.

Source

This is performed by eight persons doing right and left quite round and without stopping till they reach their original places

The Gentlemen go found to the right. The Ladies go round to the left. 8 b.

ˣ gentleman's
Orig Place
Lady's "
⁛ Hands
given.

— Gentlⁿ
line
═ Ladies'
line.

Each gentleman gives

131

his right hand first to his partner + passes her [1 Chasse;] - then his left hand to next Lady + passes her (2^d Chasse.) then his right hand to 3^d Lady + passes her (3^d Chassé) then his left hand to the 4^th Lady + Passes her; (4^th Chassé) He is now half round the circle + is now met by his Partner who has been also moving: goes through the Same again + then reaches his place 8 bars

135

Terms used in Country Dances Cont from P. 117

22. 1. L. and 1. G. turn to their right + set 4 times. 8 b

The gentleman turns + sets between the bottom Cu: + his Partner sets opposite to him. 2b

He turns again + acts on the Ladys side + she in his place. 2b

He turns again + sets at the top, looking down the dance + she between the bottom Cu. 2b

They ?Now turn into their original places + set 2b

In all 8 b

137

23. Cross over two Couple and lead up one.

Cross, giving your right hand to your partner; she goes round the back of the 2^d Gentleman while you go round the back of the 2^d Lady. You then cross each other again giving right hands she going round the back of the 3^d Lady + you going round the 3^d Gent: You then meet below the 2 Cus having crossed over them. You there "lead up" the middle one Couple; stop, ?fixing between the two or leaving off the top couple.

139

24. Chain Figure.

Transcriber: The document contains an entry for "Chain Figure" but where there should be a description, there is merely a blank space.

151

A
Selection
of
Reel Steps
or
Steps for Setting.
1818

153

Quadrille Steps for Setting.

N^o 1.

Glissade dessous to right
Assemble right behind
Glissade dessous to left
Assemble left behind

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

N^o 2.

Glissade dessous to right
Assemble right behind
Assemble left behind
Assemble right behind

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

N^o 3.

Glissade dessous to right
Sissone right behind
Sissone right before
Assemble right behind

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

155

N^o 4.

B1.	Glissade dessous to right
"	Changement de Jambe; passing left foot into Pos IV before.
B2.	Jettè before with left foot Passing the right foot into Pos: II Tendu.
"	Assemblé right behind.

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

N^o 5.

1.	Glissade dessous to right &
"	Sissone dessous, with right
2.	Jetté before with right &
"	Assemble before with left

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

156

N^o. 6

A composite Step. Learnt first. Jetté dessus right before assemble, left behind Jetté dessus right before, Pas de Basque left forward.

Et & Contra

The alternatives wrote after this to be connected in separate movements?

157

N^o 6.

B1.	Jetté Tendu. Right before and passing left into Pos: IV behind.
"	Pas de Zephyre: passing left into Pos IV before.
B2.	Jetté Tendu; with left before
"	Assemblé right behind.

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

N^o 7.

B1.	Glissade dessous to right
"	Glissade dessus to right
B2.	Jettè before with right
"	Assemblé before with left

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

158

☞ This step only done to one side. ?Indeed none of the Quadrille steps whatsoever are for more than 4 bars. Not one of them for 8b.

159

N^o 8.

B. 1.	Jettè before with the right Pas de Zeph: for^d with the left
2.	Jettè before with the left Pas de Zeph: for^d with the right
3.	Jettè before with the right Glissade dessous to left
4.	Jettè before with the left Assemblè before with right

2 Times [i.e. once & Contra] = 8b

N^o 9.

1.	Jette Tendu with right before
"	Jette Tendu with left before & Passing right into Pos: IV before.
2	Assemblè behind with right
"	Glissade to left: dessous

Et & Contre
2 times 8 b

161

N^o 10.

B. 1.	Glissade dessous to right for^d with the left
"	Glissade dessous to "
2.	Jetté with right before
"	Assemblé left before

Et & Contre
2 times

In the last assemblé take care to rest principally on the foot behind that the other may be ready to go off into the two next glissades.

N^o 11.

Glissade dessus to right
"
Jette before with right
Assemblé before with Right.

163

Transcriber: My copy is missing this folio.

N^o 12. Pas de Basque

B. 1.	In Pos V. Right before. Spring off right into Pos: II a little back.
"	Slide left into Pos IV. before.
2.	Slide up right into Pos V. behind.
"	Rest one second.

Et & Contre
4 times 8 b

Pos: III is often substituted for Pos V. in this step.

165

N^o 13

B. 1.	Glissade dessous to right
"	" to "
2.	" to "
"	Assemblé right behind

Et & Contre
2 times. 8b

Used often for Chassez Dechassez in L'Etè of the Quadrille.

N^o 14

1.	Assemblè right behind
"	Assemblè left behind
2.	Assemblè right behind
"	Glissade dessous to left.

Et & Contre
2 times. 8b

Analogous to N^o. 9. but more elegant and more improving as an exercise.

173

Une Petit Battemens

3^d Pos:

2 Pos: right; and in to 3^d.
softly 8 times. Knee steady

Et & Contra

Une Grande Battemens

3^d Pos:

2^d Pos w^h Right
spring right into 3^d Pos:

8 times

Et & Contra.

175

Chassé

1.B.	In Pos: I or at least a rectangle. Right for^d. in to Pos IV. before.
"	Left forward behind it; [or rather with a spring into its place.]
"	Right for^d: into Pos: IV before
"	Left up Parallel to right: rise on right toe as left passes
2^d:B.	Left forw^d. into Pos IV before
"	Right up behind it; [or with a spring into its place as above.]
"	Left for^d: into Pos: IV before
"	Right up Parallel to Left: rise on left toe as right passes
3^d:B.	Right for^d: &c

4 times. 8.b.

Be careful to keep the feet always at the same...

177

...angle as when you set out and your knees perfectly straight.

The knees ought never to be bent except when bringing up from behind to go forward: which is a natural bend.

179

Assemble behind.

R. int Pos. II

" back with a spring into Pos V. behind.

Glissade to the L.

R. in Pos III or V. before: slide it out into Pos: II

In the next second bring up the right into Pos. V. behind. This is all.

Et & contre

Jetté with the R.

R. in Pos III or V. before: slide the Left out into Pos: II

Next second bring R. back into Pos: V. before at the same instant bending the L. knee so as to suspend the L. foot behind with the toe touching or nearly touching the ground. The L. foot perpendicular and close behind the right leg. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

180

Pas de Basque.

Right in Pos: III or V before close. Spring it off into Pos: II a little back &

Next second spring L. into Pos IV. before; and

Next second bring up R close into Pos: III or V. behind.

181

Strathspey Steps

183

There is a considerable difficulty in describing the Strathspey of Scots Reel Steps.

The prominent and peculiar strathspey step is a compound of Sissone and assemblé preceded and followed by a hop on the other foot, Thus to take the Step N^o 1. P. 195 for example it consists of:

Bar 1^st:	Hop on left + Sissone with right. assemblé with Right before and Hop on left.
Bar 2^d:	Assemblé w^h Right before & Hop on left. Chassè to left. N^o.1.

185

Bar 3.	Hop on right + Sissone with left. Assemblé with left before + Hop on right.
Bar 4.	Assemblé w^h. left before & Hop on right. Chassè to right. N^o. 1.

Two times. 8. b.

This Chassé is performed by bringing the left behind and then moving the right to the right; after which you instantly set the left, so as to proceed with the next hop + sissone if necessary; — [or E. Contra; if it be the Chassè in Bar 2^d.] — The Chasse occupies this time of ½ bar; or one Crotchet.

From the above analisis of the Step N^o. 1. it will appear that in each half bar there are two...

187

...steps one by each foot. Those two steps are performed in the order above set down; but the follow each other so quickly as to appear simultaneous.This is the compound so very easy in practice but so difficult to be described.

It would be convenient to have one term for describing shortly this above steps but as no such term has hitherto been invented in the following notes, the Syllable Strath is merely prefixed to the usual terms Sissone and assemblé; and also to the Chassè to distinguish it from the common...

189

...chassè to which it has but little semblance.

If any other steps or terms for steps are used they will be taken notice of in the annexed table; and the difference between them in the common dancing and in the Strathspey will be pointed out.

191

Terms Explained.

S. Sissone: Sissone, with a hop before it on the other foot. 1 Crot
S. Assemblé: Assemblè, with a hop after it on the other foot.
S. Chassé to left. N^o.1.: The right is put in behind, and the left moved off to the left. [The right is then set down before; for the next hop and step.]
S. Jetté: Jetté with one foot and a hop immediately after it on the same foot. Generally Tendu. May be either before or behind.

193

S. Chassé. N^o.2. To left.: Pass right foot in before the left. Then the left to the left.
[And the right in before it again for the next Step, sissone or whatever it is]
To right.
W. Contra.

195

Strathspey Reel Steps

N^o.1.

B. 1.	Strath: Sissone with Right Strath: Assemblé w^h " before
B. 2.	Strath: Assemblé w^h " " Strath: Chasse N^o.1. to left.

Et E. Contra
2 Times = 8 b.

N^o.2.

1.	S. Sissone with Right S. Assemble w^h Right behind
2.	S. Assemble w^h Right before S. Chasse N^o.1. to left.

Et E. Contra
2 Times

197

Strathspey Reel Steps

N^o.3.

1.	S. Sissone with right before S. Assemblé right before
2.	S. Sissone with left S. Assemble w^h Left before
3.	S. Sissone with right S. Assemble right behind
4.	S. Assemble Right before S. Chasse N^o.1. to left.

Et E. Contra
Once := 8 b.

199

Strathspey Reel Steps

N^o.4.

1.	S. Sis: with Right S. Assem: right before
2.	S. Sis: with left S. Assem: left before
3.	S. Sis: with right S. Ass: right before
4.	S. Ass: right behind S. Ass: right before.

[ & S. Ass: right behind forward combined on the next step.]

Et E. Contra
Once. 8 b.

N^o.5.

Same with the above N^o: 4. But in Bars 3 & 4. also in Bars 7 & 8. Pirouette neatly round;
1^st. time to the right
2^d time to the left.

N^o.6.

Same but with the two Pirouettes in the Centre and concluding as you begin with Bars 1 & 2.

201

Strathspey Reel Steps

N^o.7.

1.	S. Sis: with Right S. Ass: right before
2.	S. Ass: right behind S. Ass: right before [and S. ass: right behind forward combined with next step.]

Et E. Contra
2 times. 8 b.

N^o.8.

Same. But Pirouette to the left in Bars 3 & 4. and to the right in Bars 7 & 8.

N^o.9.

Same. But the two Pirouettes in the center, bars 3·4·5&6 and concluding with Bars 1 & 2.

203

Strathspey Reel Steps

N^o.10.

1.	S. Jettè Tendu with right before S. Jettè Tendu w^h left behind.
2.	S. Chassè N^o1 to Left S. Sissone with left before

Et E. Contra
Two times. 8 b.

N^o.11.

1.	S. Jettè with right before S. Jettè with left before.
2.	S. Chassè N^o2 to left [See P. 193] S. Sissone with left before

Et E. Contra
Two times. 8 b.

210

Dessous means behind
Desus above or before

211

Quick Reel Steps

N^o.1.

B. 1	Assemblè with right behind
"	Glissade dessous to Left

Et E. Contra
4 times. 8 b.

N^o.2.

B. 1	Assemblé dessous w^h right
"	Glissade dessous to left
2	Assemblé dessous with left
"	Assemble dessous with left

Et E. Contra
2 times.

N^o.3.

Same with Quadrille Setting Step N^o 6.
See P. 157

213

Quick Reel Steps

N^o.4.

B. 1	Assemblè dessus with right
"	Glissade dessus to left

Et E. Contra
4 times. 8 b.

N^o.5.

B. 1	Assemble dessus with right
"	Assemble dessus w^h. left
B. 1	Assemble dessus w^h right
"	Glissade dessus to left

Et E. Contra
2 times. 8 b.

N^o.6.

Same with N^o 5. Supra; but for dessus read dessous, through out.

215

Quick Reel Steps

N^o.7.

Jettè Tendu with right before
Jettè Tendu w^h left behind
Assemble w^h Right, behind
Glissade dessous to left.

Et E. Contra
4 times. 8 b.

Being same with Quadrille No. 9.

N^o.8.

Assemble right before
Assemble left behind
Assemblé right behind
Glissade dessous to left.

Et E. Contra
2 times

Being same with Quadrille No. 14 & analogous to N^o 7 supra but more elegant.

223

Country Dances

224

Verges

1. In coming up, A turn to the left to prepare for following down.

2. When at the top 2^d time prepare to join hands + Poussette

225

1. The Triumph

1^st. G. leads his Partner down the middle + up again —	8.b.
2^d. G. leads her down; + 1^st. G. follows them —	4b.
At the bottom the Lady crosses her hands which are taken by the two Gentlemen (her partner on the Ladies' side; and the g^en. joining hands behind her back) and they lead her up in triumph	4 b
Join hands with Partners; (the 1^st. Cu: undermost) and Poussette. —	8.b.
In all	24 b

226

Verges

1. After changing to prepare for a Poussette.

227

2. Lady Caroline Lee's Waltz

1^st. L. and 2^d. G. change places.	4 b
1^st. G. and 2^d. L. do the same.	4 b
These two Cu: Poussette	8 b
Right + Left; as on P. 95-99.	8 b
In all	24 b

3. Clydesdale Lasses

Hands across + back	8 b.
1^st Cu: down the middle up again + leave off	8 b
Poussette with top Co: —	8.b.
Right + Left P. 95-99.	8 b

228

(Verges

229

4. Lady of the Lake Old Way

1^st: Cu: down the middle up again + leave off	8 b
1^st: Cu: and 2^d: Cu: Down the middle and up again facing each other the whole way.	8 b
These two Cu: Poussette	8 b
In all	24 b

☞ of course in going down the 2^d time the 1^st Cu: and the 2^d Cu: in coming up dances backward.

230

Promenaded 2b & Set 2b. at the end of which 1^st Cu is a place down + 2^d L. + 2^d G. have changed sides, of course

Pousette 1^st Cu: 4 turns & 2^d (now top) Cu only 3 turns+set

231

5. Lady of the Lake New Way
Called also;
La Poule,
Called also
News from Portugal

1^st: G. change sides with his partner giving right hands	4 b.
Then he turns her quite round with left H^d: which he returns, + gives his right hand to 2^d Lady. His Partner at same time give her right hand to 2^d. G.	4 b
All four set, (across the dance) in a line as in La Poule	4 b
Promenade with contrary partners: into 1^st:+2^d: Cu: places exchanged, wheel in, and set.	4 b
Poussette (2^d Cu: only 3 turns 1^st Cu: four)	8 b
In all	24 b

232

?Verge

1. After changing to prepare for Poussette.

233

6. The Lady of the Manor

1^st: L. and 2^d: G. set and turn with both Hands	8b
2^d: L. and 1^st: G. do the same.	8b
1^st: Cu: down the middle followed by the 2^d: Cu:	4b
Both couples up again	4b
and
Poussette	8b
In all	32 b

7. Calvar Lodge

1^st: and 2^d G. lead round the opposite Ladies [P 113]	8 b
1^st: L. and 2^d: L. change places	4 b
1^st: G. and 2^d: G. do the same	4 b
These four Poussette	8 b
In all	24 b

234

?verges

1. Let your partner cross before you?

2 In wheeling at the bottom face the 2^d Lady; & prepare to wheel with Jette Assemblé

3. Set the extremes close up before you, and at the same instant bridle in so as to prepare to poussette, with partner. Hold firm her right with your left; taking her left with your right to Poussette as soon after quitting the 2^d L. and ?verging her [your Partner] to her own side as the Poussette movement approaches].

235

8. Meg Merrilees

1^st: G. turns the 2^d L. with the right hand; while 1^st: L. turns the 2^d Gentleman also w^t right hand	4 b
The same done back again each to each with left hands	4 b
These four join hands and down the middle all a:breast, or in a cross line:	4 b
At the bottom separate; wheel round, and up again also in a line	4 b
The 2^d: L. and 2^d G. forming the extremes of the line close up, at the top; [line hands four round]
These two Couple Poussette	8 b
In all	24 b

236

237

9. The Medley

Strathspey Figure.

1^st: Cu: change sides&set	4b
then;
1^st: G. turn round 1^st: L. w^t left hands; — [G. between bottom Cu; and L. between Top Cu:]	4 b
Join hands thus, in two lines, of three each + set;	4 b
1^st: Cu: turn again with right hands; — [L between 2^d+3^d G. and G. between 2^d+3^d L.]	4. b.
Swing Corners P91	16. b.
1^st Cu: set and turn into places	8.b
In all	40 b
☞ or these last 8b. may be left out; and places regained immediately after Swing corners. Say then
In all	32 b

Transcriber: If it's a medley, you'd expect to find a reel figure too...

240

241

10. Patronella

1 G. and 1 L. turn to their right and set four times P. 135	8b
Down the middle, up again and leave off	8b
Poussette with top Cu.	8b
In all	24 b

11. Speed the Plough

Down the back and up agⁿ:	8 b
Down the middle, up again and leave off.	8 b
Four hands round with Cu: left off: + back	8 b
Poussette, these two Cu:	8 b
In all	32 b

242

243

12. The Honeymoon

Down the back and up again	8 b
Hands 4 across with the bottom couple + back.	8 b
Cross over two Couple and lead up one [P.137]	8 b
Six Hands round	8 b
In all	32 b

13. Waterloo

Chain figure P.139	8 b
Six Hands round + back	8 b
Down the middle up again + leave off	8 b
Change sides with Partner and back	8 b
Swing Corners.	8 b
In all	40 b

244

245

14. Regents Favorite [Now King's]

"We'll gang nae mair to yon town!"

Mrs. McLeod of Raasay

[New Way]

Hands four across + back	8 b
Down the middle up again and leave off	8 b
Swing Corners	b
Set to Partners + turn into places	8 b
In all	b

Transcriber: the number of bars for "Swing Corners" has been erased, and the total figure too. The author appears to have tried both 8 and 16 bars for swing corners, and 32 and 40 for the total.

246

247

15. Regents Favorite. "We'll gang &c

[Old Way]

1^st Cu. set and turn by right hands. L. bet: 2+3 G. - G. bet: 2^d + 3^d Lady	8 b
Hands 3 round and back, on each side and cross over to places.	8 b
Down middle, up again + leave off	8 b
Poussette	8 b
In all	32 b

Contre=Danses À Paris 1818 &c

Contents

Reel of three.

No. 1.

No. 2.

Reel of four.

Reel of Eight.

No. 1.

Reel of Eight.

No. 2.

Figure II. L"Eté

Figure III. La Poule

Figure IV. La Trénise

Figure V. La Finale

Additional Figures

1. La Pastorale.

Right & Left Part I

Right & Left Part II

Right & Left. Part II.

Right and Left. Part I

Right & Left. Part IId:

Right and Left.

1. Moulinet; or Hands across; or Hands four across

2. Hands across half round.

3. Hands across with left hand or "Hands with the left hand".

4. Hands four round or "Hands six all round".

5. Hands four at top.

6 Hands four round at bottom.

7 Lead down the middle and up again.

8. Cast off." "Cast off outsides or [as it is now usually termed] "leave off a couple."

9. Swing Corners.

10 Gentlemen turn the Ladies with right hands.

11. Cast through the 3d. and 2d. couples or Figure eight round the 3d. and 2d. couples.

12 Right and Left.

13 Half right and left.

14. Half right and left with the top couple.

Note on Right + Left

15 Change Sides and set, back again and set.

16 Promenade three Couple.

17 Poussette.

18. Three Ladies lead round three gentlemen.

19 Three Gentlemen lead round three Ladies.

20 Allemand.

21. Hey: Contrary sides.

1. Right+Left. Chaine Anglaise.

2. Set + TurnBalancez a vos dames & un tour des mains.

3. Ladies chain. Chaine des dames.

4. Half Promenade. Demi Promenade.

5. Advance + Retire. En avans & en ... .

6. Dance to the Right + Left or Chassez et dechassez.

7. Traversez or Cross Over.

8. Chassè across Chassè Croisez.

9. Advance + Retire Dos a Dos.[or simply Dos a Dos.]

10. The Grand Chain.

22. 1. L. and 1. G. turn to their right + set 4 times. 8 b

23. Cross over two Couple and lead up one.

24. Chain Figure.

ASelectionofReel StepsorSteps for Setting.1818

Quadrille Steps for Setting.

Chassé

Strathspey Steps

Terms Explained.

Strathspey Reel Steps

Strathspey Reel Steps

Strathspey Reel Steps

Strathspey Reel Steps

Strathspey Reel Steps

Quick Reel Steps

Quick Reel Steps

Quick Reel Steps

5. Lady of the Lake New Way Called also; La Poule, Called also News from Portugal

Contre=Danses
À Paris
1818
&c

N^o. 1.

N^o. 2.

N^o. 1.

N^o. 2.

Right & Left. Part II^d:

11. Cast through the 3^d. and 2^d. couples or Figure eight round the 3^d. and 2^d. couples.

2. Set + Turn
Balancez a vos dames & un tour des mains.

9. Advance + Retire Dos a Dos.
[or simply Dos a Dos.]

A
Selection
of
Reel Steps
or
Steps for Setting.
1818

5. Lady of the Lake New Way
Called also;
La Poule,
Called also
News from Portugal