Chestnut
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.
