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Inimitable Derek, The Print

Question

Bars 9-16:  In the reel 2nd corners have right of way in the first half of the reel. If they also take right of way in the second half of the reel, after dancing couple cross to opposite sides, the reels seem to degenerate into 3 people dancing in a circle. Is this how it should be danced, or should 1st corners take right of way in the second half of the reel, that is, dance two half reels?

Answer

Accurate phrasing of all the dancers involved is the absolute key to the success of these reels. Although they can be taught as two half reels to emphasise the phrasing at the half way point these bars are definitely danced as 'normal' reels of three, with the wee bit of give and take common to all such reels ; 2nd corners fractionally ahead of the music, 1st corners fractionally behind.  There is no change of priority.  It can sometimes appear as if 1st corners give up on the reel after 4 bars, and take the shortest route back home via a clockwise chase round the outside of the set.  This could be a result of the use of the phrase "curve into place" without qualification. The devisors ultimate intention was for 1st corners to end the reel by putting on a loop to face in, pulling left shoulders back. In other words on Bars 13-14 the 2s & 3s continue on their same track, ie as for any normal reel, whilst the 1s cross diagonally. Roy Goldring’s own footnote on the original draft instructions went on to say: "Note: At the end of bar 14, 2nd and 3rd women (also 2nd and 3rd men) should be just passing. (bars 15-16) 3rd woman and 2nd man curve into place whilst the others turn (right hand) into a (diagonal) line of 4.