Chestnut

Copyright 2005 by Jeff Suzuki

Another favorite. There is a peculiarity in this dance, alluded to in the fourth stanza. In most English Country Dances, the sequence is siding, then arming; in the steps described in Playford's Dancing Master (the basic source for English Country Dance), the sequence is reversed.

Double slowly up the hall,
Then slowly double back to your place
Do the same thing once again
And then your partner turn and face.

Slow double back---that's one step each beat
Then double cross to change your side.
Hands circle round, half a turn down
Reform lines and then again,

Slow double back---that's one step each beat
Then double cross to change your side
Hands circle round, half a turn down
Reform lines and back to place.

Arming's next---no one knows why
Maybe it's a misprint.
Other side the same and then
And when you've come back into your place.

Slow double back---that's one step each beat
Then double cross to change your side
One faces down, half hay around
End with one at bottom set.

Slow double back---that's one step each beat
Then double cross to change your side
One faces up, half hay around
Back to reform set as new.

Siding next that's three steps up
Then three steps slowly back to your place.
Other side side the same and then
And when you've come into your place.

Slow double back---that's one step each beat
Then double cross to change your side
First couple down inside, second follow suit
Third the same to reverse your set.

Slow double back---that's one step each beat
Then double cross to change your side
First couple cast up, second follow suit
Third the same to reform the set.

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