strathspey@strathspey.org:45081

Thomas G. Mungall, III

Re: Instruction and music for the "Irish Washerwoman."

April 19, 2006, 3:52 p.m. (Message 45081, in reply to message 45078)

Pat, It is the same figure only we call it "Back to Back". Easier to
remember than Allemande which to me denotes something completely different.
;-)  Of course, this nomenclature is very confusing to a Scottish country
dancer! The first time our vintage dance teacher said "back to back" I took
him literally and danced a do se do.  :-D
A back to back allemande is difficult when attempting this dance with either
an inexperienced dancer or, when the height of the dancers are disparate. I
once danced this dance with a young lady (high school age) who isn't even 5
feet tall and I'm 6'4". It was difficult for both of us but not as difficult
as attempting the "Claire Lancers" with a couple with disparate height!
YIKES! Try the "big christmas" figure when the man is tall and the woman
very short, she could be dangling all the way around!

I got the instructions for the Irish Washerwoman last night and it appears
that the dance is basically the same as the one you posted only with
slightly different nomenclature.

Irish Washerwoman
March

Long line of dancers, Gents on one side of set and Ladies on other, Gents
face down set and Ladies face up set, number couples as odd and even (1-2)

All dancers chasse across set L (smile at your partner) and balance (step up
and back),
return with chasse to R and balance
16 Counts

"Back to Back" -- R hand allemande (R shoulders touching)
to L hand allemande (L shoulders touching)
16 Counts

Odd-Couples (1s) chasse down set, balance to each other
8 Counts

Chasse back up the set and cast around even couple (2s)
8 Counts

Four hands around (circle) to left and return to R
 16 Counts

Continue down the set
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Yours aye,
Tom Mungall
Baton Rouge, La, USA