Social Dance (Part 4)
The dances can be in several different formations such as, circles, squares and longways sets ( a column of pairs). There will always be a caller who first teaches the moves, and figures, and then ’calls’ the figures throughout the dance. These have names such as ’dip & dive’, ‘promenade’ and ‘basket’ and are danced with steps such, as a ‘skip’, ‘slip step’, ‘hop step’, ’rant’, and ’polka’.
Cornish social dancing is a distinctive form with visible connections to Breton dances (both with common Celtic roots) and is currently experiencing a revival. The dances are often processional.
Helston Furry Dance
Helston, Cornwall, date unknown
Photo: Doc Rowe
