A short history of dance
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In ancient times, dancing was
an integral part of religious
ceremonies.
The various dances came from all over Europe. The Polka and Mazurka from Poland, the Schottische, Gallop and Waltz from Germany, the Boston, Fox-Trot from American from Scotland the Reel and the jig from Ireland. The Quadrille, Lancers, Sir Roger de Coverlet and Country dances originated in England. Early in the ninteenth century, when the Waltz was introduced to England from Germany, it was generally thought to be indecent due to the close proximity of the dancers. Colonial Dancing - Commonly used terms in quadrilles
Tiroire- Occupies eight bars.
A couple with hands joined pass
in between
Set to partners (or corners)- Occupies four bars, and consists of the lady and gentleman facing each other, glissade three times to the right then repeated to the left. Ladies’ Chain - Occupies each bars. Two ladies cross to opposite places, joining right hands in centre as they pass; they then give the left to the opposite gentleman, with whom they execute a turn. Grand Chain- Occupies sixteen bars. Set of four ladies and four Gentlemen turn in opposite directions i.e. facing each other, and taking alternately right and left hands, pass in a circle between each other. Each time partners come together, they bow and curtsey, and continue the chain until they have all reached their original positions. Chasse-Croise - Crossing the gentleman to the right and behind the lady who passes before him to the left, and vice versa. Allemand -Turning with hand over head. Balance- Rising and sinking on the sole of one foot, the other being brought from an open to a closed position. Chasse- A “chasing” of one foot by the other. Etiquette of Dancing Dancers who are to become overheated should avoid drinking large quantities of lemonade or other beverages; also, it is a compliment to one’s partner to wear gloves, if only while dancing.
Dances reproduced by the Adelaide Colonial Dances Dance Dating from:
Alberts 1882
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