Shon Truish Willichan ~ Williams

Shon Truish Willichan ~ Williams Seann Triubhas Willichan ~ RSCDS

Wilson, on page 59, spells this dance Shon Truish Willichan and writes:

SINGLE FIGURE Each strain repeated
Set & change sides with 2^d. Cu: set & back again swing with right hands round the 2^d. Cu: then with left set 3 across set 3 in your places lead thro the bottom & lead outsides

SINGLE FIGURE (Each strain repeated)
Set & hands across quite round with 2^d. Cu: set & back again promenade 3 Cu: whole poussett & set contrary corners

OR THUS Cast off 2 Cu: & back again set & half right & left with 2 Cu: set & back again lead down the middle up again set to the top Cu: hands 6 round & back again

* This is the Scotch & the only real Shon Truish _ the other tune usually confounded with this derives its name from the french words Chant Russe signifying a Russian Song or Air _ each has a particular dance Composed to it, the above is more a favorite among the Scotch, but the Chant Russe is more prevalent in the English ball room. _ these dances consist of a number of steps necessary to be taught by a master & therefore the figure here set to them are only to adapt them for country dances

The music consists of four four-bar strains, to be played AABBCCDD. Wilson expects a reel, not a strathspey.

The RSCDS appears to have interpretted the third figure (the one titled OR THUS), and I think they are right in turning it into a duple minor, the 3s are only involved in the final circle.

Wilson defines most of his figures in his An Analysis of Country Dancing, 3rd Edition.

1. Cast off 2 Cu: & back again may be found on page 25 and means: top couple cast ending below the third couple, cast up and back to original places.
2. Set, and half right and left may be found on page 50 and means: Everyone sets in his or her place (he doesn't say whether this is to partner, neighbor or corner) then L1+M2 change by left, then M1+L2 change by right.
3. lead down the middle up again set to the top Cu: may be found on page 8 and means: Top couple leads down to between the third couple, 1s turn and lead up to 2nd place as the second couple move up (Wilson's pictures show them moving up the sidelines and not leading), then actives set (or foot it) to the second couple. (This seems to take 8 bars)
4. hands 6 round & back again may be found on page 5 and means what you expect. All take hands and circle left then right.

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