Question:

A query from Japan, relayed by Atsuko Clement re Mrs Hamilton of Wishaw.  A candidate for Unit 2 wished to know which version he should dance and teach. 

Having produced a Society Video to show it in 'How do you do it', then the Prescribed Dances for the Teacher's Certificate Examination (June 2003) has changed bar 15 back to the original. I thought we have been dancing the way described in the 1993 pocket edition and the video, which is also explained in the TAC Notes.

Bar 15 Pocket Edition (1993) - 1st couple, giving right hands, dance up turning halfway round to finish facing 2nd couple ready for the Rondel

Book 23 (original version) - First couple, giving right hands, cross to own sides, dance up to the top and turn to face second couple who have danced in ready for the Rondel

Prescribed Dances for the Teacher's Certificate Examination (2003) - 1st couple, giving right hands, cross to own sides and dance into first place, and turn to face 2nd couple who dance in ready for the rondel.

Answer:

When we reviewed the Manual we looked at the latest publication (the Pocket edition in this case) and any ambiguity was referred back to the video as the final word. In this case the two are in agreement for first couple although the handing for second couple is not clear. It was felt therefore there was no need for a Manual note in chapter 7. The earlier A4 book instructions certainly imply a different way of finishing the reel in today's terminology and I doubt if there is a record of why the wording was changed - the intention may have been to change the way the reel was being danced or simply trying to "clarify" the instructions. In a further attempt at clarification, the Prescribed Dances for the Teacher's Certificate Examination (2008) now read: "1st couple, giving right hands, dance a half turn as they lead up to finish at first place on own sides in the middle of the set facing down. 2nd couple finish in the middle of the set, facing up and 3rd couple dance to places." This description now brings the movement into line with the formation shown in the video.