The Sheffield Octagon

Warning: this dance was written as a challenge for a "Dances for the Brave" workshop. It should not be undertaken lightly.

4 couples in a "plus" formation - men in the middle, ladies around the outside

2L 2M 4M 4L

A1: Give right hand to partner, men join left hands in the middle. Balance right and left and spin forwards over your right shoulder to a saltire formation, with men on the outside and ladies in the middle, giving left hands while ladies join RH in the middle.

1M 4M

2L 1L

3L 4L

2M 2M

Balance left and right, and spin forwards over your left shoulder to end up in a plus formation one place round from where you started the dance. The person you are now holding is your new partner.

3L 1M 1M 3L

A2: Balance right and left, allemenade right 3/4 to a square set

Couples advance and retire

B1: Turn new partner 3/4 RH to a plus (Ladies in the middle)

Ladies star LH 1/2, men walk 1 place anticlockwise one place to form a new plus

Turn the one you meet 3/4 RH to an octagon (men facing out, ladies facing in)

Turn the next person round the octagon 3/4 LH to a saltire (men in the middle)

B2 Men star RH 1/2, ladies walk 1 place clockwise one place to form a new saltire

Turn the one you meet 3/4 LH to an octagon (ladies facing out, men facing in)

The next person around the octagon will be your new partner (the same new partner, not a new new partner). Swing them, remembering to finish in a plus not a square.