Donkey Riding

Music: Donkey Riding (mp3)

Tradition: Fieldtown

NOTE: The tune “Donkey Riding” is a capstan shantie popular on timberships. The term “donkey riding” refers to the process of loading logs through the timber ports in the stern of the ship. Someone (usually a ships boy) rode the log in order to guide it through the port.

This dance is identical to Waltzing Matilda except for the sticking. Here is how the sticking works for Donkey Riding:

D-U-D-B-XXX-XXX

Swinging the stick in a circular motion, clash Down (Forehand), Up (Backhand), Down (Forehand), lean Back out of set (holding stick vertically).

Grasping stick at both ends, clash three times rapidly (XXX), holding stick at an angle.

Turn the stick 90 degrees and clash three times rapidly again (XXX).