Dilwyn
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Introduction
This dance is from the English/Welsh borders where the whole tradition almost died out until being revived some 50 years ago. Now the style has become very popular because of its high energy and dramatic impact.
Dilwyn is one of the most basic dances in the tradition and introduces dancers to the use of sticks in a simple routine.
Watch the full dance (video 9), and then watch how it breaks down into sections as described below.
Formation
Work in groups of 2 couples and longer sets, so 4, 6 or 8 couples.
Steps
In this dance use the Inside Foot for Side steps – otherwise all the moves are started on the Right Foot.
Single Step – as with Bobbing Around; the difference for this dance is the rhythm which this time is a reel. Think of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star instead of Humpty Dumpty and the hops come on the “-le” of Twinkle and Little. Some teams also lift the knees quite high in this step but Fool’s Gambit prefer less emphasis – it’s your choice.
Side Step – this is an optional step in the cross-over figure and is just step, close, step, close instead of step hop.
Hand & Stick Movements
The sticks are held in the right hand (even if left handed) and rest on the shoulder during the figures.
The Sequence of the Dance
- Chorus
- Cross Overs
- Chorus
- Stars
- Chorus
- Cross Overs facing down
- Chorus
Work with your partner.
Strike your partner’s stick with your own, going right to left and meeting in the middle
Like a forehand stroke in tennis
The rhythm that fits the music: 1, 2, 123 – if you have even beats of 4 the clashes are on 1, 3, 1, 2, 3:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Tap | Tap | Tap | Tap | Tap |
This pattern happens 8 times in all; the first 4 times are gentle and then the second 4 are much stronger.
Cross Overs
Face the top of the set (the front).
Change places with your partner but moving sideways this time.
The one on the left-hand side of the set goes in front each time.
4 Side Steps to cross the set and then 4 Single Steps on the spot.
4 Side Steps to line up the set – you are now on the other side – and 4 Single Steps on the spot. Repeat the whole sequence to get back to place
NB: When you repeat this figure in the dance Fool’s Gambit dance the Cross Over facing the other way. If you want to keep it facing the same way, that works as well.
Stars
In your groups of 4, all put your stick in your left hand and put your right hands into the middle so you are now facing clockwise
Dance in this direction for 7 steps, turning on the last beat of the phrase and changing your sticks into your right hand. Then come back with your left hands in the middle.
When you get back, make the last turn a small jump to face your partner.
Media
Video:
Audio:
