Cumberland Contra

Notes

1

Based on Cumberland Square Eight, using all the figures in a contra dance

 

 

 

 

2

The dance is 64-bars.Any reels, jigs or polkas will do, but the dance is intended to give the feel of Cumberland Square Eight. Either play AABBCCDD or play AABB twice for once through the dance. You can hear Ashley Hutchings and friends playing for the original dance on "Kickin' Up the Sawdust".

 

 

 

 

3

If there is no room at the end of the set for the gallop, turn left and go round the edge of the room (Lady on the outside).

 

 

 

 

4

To gallop back just turn your heads - don't mess around with arm/body positions

 

 

 

 

5

Optional Styling: Balance & Swing: Step R, Kick L (hopping on R), Step L, Kick R (Hopping on L), Swing

 

 

 

 

6

Basket: Get close together; the men put their arms around the ladies' waists and one grips the other's wrists; the ladies put their arms on the nearest shoulders (get them to put them straight up in the air then lower them onto the NEAREST shoulder when teaching). Put your right foot in and everyone does a buzz-step to spin the basket. Baskets only ever go clockwise.