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THE
Ball-Room Manual
OF
CONTRA DANCES
AND
SOCIAL COTILLONS,
WITH REMARKS ON
Quadrilles and Spanish Dance
VEST POCKET EDITION.
COPYRIGHT
WASHINGTON D.C.
BELFAST, ME.:
H. G. O. WASHBURN.
BOSTON: G. W. COTTRELL.
1863.
Entered according to act of Congress in the year
1862,
By H. G. O. WASHBURN,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court
of Maine.
R. WHEELER, STEREOTYPER,
17, Washington Street, Boston.
The
dancing public have been supplied with “Ball-Room Instructors,” and “Guides,” embracing the figures of “Quadrilles,” “Polkas,” “Cotillons,” &c., &c., with “hints” on “dress” and “address,” but containing very few, if any, of the good old Contra Dances of our ancestors, as enjoyed by them in their hours of relaxation and amusement.
We have therefore been induced to offer our little Manual, believing that it will be acceptable to the Young, as well as the “Old folks at home.”
The great favor with which the former editions of the Ball-Room Manual have been received by the dancing public, has induced us to present the “Vest Pocket Edition,” containing many new figures of
Contra Dances,
Cotillons,
Quadrilles,
Spanish Dance,
Hints for the Ball-Room,
We
have endeavored to make the following figures so clear, that any person who has the least knowledge of dancing, can execute them without difficulty. Most of the tunes played for these dances are composed with two changes, each change being played twice. Thus: in Durand's Hornpipe, the first change is played while the first couple balance and go down outside below two: it is then repeated, the couple balancing again, crossing the set, and resuming their places. Thus the repetition of the music occupies a certain time or forty steps,
each
change, or
twenty steps, being marked
in the figure
by the dash
(-). The second change is played for the couple to go down the centre, and back; and is repeated for the right and left. By giving attention to the playing of the changes, the dancer is enabled to keep strict time, and greatly facilitate his dancing.
Note
:—In the following dances to page 16, the sets are formed with from six to twelve couples in a set, the ladies in one line, and the gentlemen in another parallel line, facing the ladies.
First couple down the outside, back-down the centre, back, cast off-forward and back six, swing six halfround-forward and back again, and swing to place-
moulinet
Moulinet, Four cross right hands and swing half round, cross left hands and swing back to places.
First six balance, swing half round-balance again, and swing to places-first four
moulinet
-first couple balance, swing quite round-down the centre, back, cast off-right and left.
First couple join right hands, swing half round, give left hand to the second couple,
First couple down the outside, up-down the centre, up, cast off-turn contra corners-balance and turn partner to place.
First couple join hands and swing once and a half round, down outside below one-forward and back six, first couple swing three-fourths round-forward and back six, first couple swing three-quarters round to place, below one couple-right and left.
First couple down the outside, up-down the centre, up, cast off-swing six hands quite round-right and left.
First and third couple balance, and swing six hands half round-balance again, swing
First two couple balance, half right and left-balance again, half right and left to place-first couple down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
First couple balance at the head, cross over and go down outside below two-balance again, cross over and up outside to place-down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
First lady turn with second gent., then first gent., turn with second lady-first couple down the centre, up, cast off-balance four and swing partners-right and left.
First lady swing the second gent., first gent., swing the second lady-four hands
Six join hands, balance, and swing half round to the right-first couple up the centre, back, cast off-balance six, swing round to
left
to place-right and left.
First lady balance to the third gent., turn the second-first gent. balance to the third lady, turn the second-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-right and left.
First couple join right hands and swing half round, giving left hand to the second couple, balance four in a line, swing the sides, and give right hand to partner again balance four in a line again, swing the sides, then swing partners with right hand, half round-down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
First couple cross the set, and go between the second and third couples, facing out
First lady join right hands with second gent., down the centre,
first gent. down after them, take his partner by left hand joining his right with second gent.'s left, behind the lady
, up to place-first gent. and second lady down the centre, first lady after them, and up as before, to place-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-right and left.
First lady balance with the first and second gents., swing three-first gent. balance with the first and second ladies, swing three-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-right and left.
First lady down the centre with the second gent., back, lady cast off-first gent.
First couple balance, swing once and a half round-ladies chain-first couple balance again, swing once and a half round to place-right and left.
First couple cross over, go down outside below two, up the centre, cross to place, and cast off-join right hands, balance and step two steps to the right by each other, join left hands and balance again-turn contra corners-balance to partners and turn to place.
First and second couples balance, swing partners-both couples down the centre, back, first couple cast off-and
moulinet
with the second couple-right and left with the third.
The first two ladies join hands and chassé across the set, the gents. chassé across outside of them, back to places-two gents. join hands, chassé across, the ladies outside of them, back to places-first couple down the centre, back, east off-right and left.
First and third couples balance to partners, swing partners half round-balance again, swing to place-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-right and left.
First lady balance to the second gent., turn whom she pleases-first gent. balance to the second lady, turn whom he pleases-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-right and left.
First lady down the centre
below two couples, face partner
and balance-change places and balance-down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
Swing four hands half round and back-
moulinet
-first couple down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
Swing six half round and back-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-
moulinet
with second couple-right and left with the same.
Forward and back six, swing six
three
-quarters round to the
left
-first couple chassé across the set, back, cast off-turn contra corners-forward and back six, and swing round to
right
to places.
First couple balance, down the centre-balance at foot of set, up the centre, and cast off-right and left.
First couple cross over, down outside below third couple, swing partner quite round with
right
hand-swing
third
coupleleft
hand (
viz.: The first lady swing the third gent., the first gent. swing the third lady
), swing partner with the
right
hand, the second couple with the
left
, and swing partner to place with right-down the centre, back, cast off-right and left
First couple cross over
inside
below second couple, up
outside
to the head-cross over inside below second couple again, up outside to place-down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
First four half
moulinet
with the
right
hand, first couple down outside-up, half
moulinet
with the
left
hand to place-down the centre, up, cast off-right and left.
First couple down the centre with the second lady, up, leaving the lady at the foot-first couple down the centre with the second gent., up, leaving gent. at foot-first couple down the centre, both couples up the centre-right and left at head of set.
First couple down the outside, up-down the centre, at foot swing half round up the centre, lady on gent.'s side, cast off-ladies chain-first couple balance, and swing to place.
Second gent. chase the first lady down the outside, back-the first gent. chase the second lady down the outside, back-first four down the centre, back, first couple cast off-right and left.
First couple down the outside, and the third couple up the centre, back to places-first couple down the centre, and third couple up the outside, back to places, first couple casting off-swing six half round and back-right and left.
First lady down the centre, and gent. down the outside, back to place-lady down
Forward and back six, swing six half round-forward and back again, and swing to place-
moulinet
with the third couple-right and left with the second-down the outside, back-down the centre, back, cast off.
Note
.—Form sets of five or six couples only in each.
First couple balance, down the centre to foot of set-second couple balance, down to foot of set-four right and left at foot-both couples up the centre, first couple down outside and remain at the foot.
First lady and foot gent. balance to each other, then first gent. and foot lady the same-first lady swing foot gent. with
left
hand, then first gent. and foot lady the same-first lady swing foot gent. with
right
hand, then first gent. and foot lady theleft
hands and swing once and a half round-swing second with
right
hand, partner with left-third with right, partner with left-fourth with right, partner with left-fifth with right, partner half round with left-up the centre (
lady on the ladies' side of set
), ladies and gents
all
march to the head, and down outside—join hands at foot and chassé up to place in set, then first down the centre and remain at the foot.
Note
.—The first couple change places: the remainder of the set are changed by the half promenade.
Head and foot couples balance to partners, head couple down the centre, and foot couple up the outside-balance again, back to places, the head couple up outside, and the foot couple down the centre-ladies chain at the head, and right and left at foot of set-swing four half round and back at head and foot of set-
moulinet
at head and foot-
first four
half promenade, first couple down the centre and remain at foot.
Note
.—The head couple change places before they commence to dance.
First couple balance to the second and turn-balance to partners and turn-down the centre, back, cast off-ladies chain.
(See note above.)
First two couples chassé across the set, and back again,
the first lady and second gent. in the centre with joined hands
-the same again,
the second lady and first gent. in the centre with joined hands
-down the centre, back, cast off-ladies chain.
(See note above.)
First couple down the outside, back-down the centre, back, cast off-
moulinet
with the second couple-ladies chain with same.
(See note above.)
First four balance, half promenade-balance again, half right and left to place-first
(See note page 18.)
First couple balance to the second and turn-down the centre, back, cast off-ladies chain-four half promenade, half right and left.
(See note page 18.)
Forward and back six, swing six half round-
first and second couple
ladies chain-half promenade, half right and left-
six
forward and back and swing to places,
the second couple passing up the outside to the head of the set
.
(See note page 18.)
All balance to partners and turn-first couple down the centre, back, cast off-all balance to partners and turn-
first and second couple
ladies chain.
Note
.—Form as for Spanish Dance.
All chassé to the right, half balance, de chassé, and swing four half round-all chassé to the right, half balance, de chassé, and swing four to places-ladies chain-balance, swing partners-swing four half round and back-half promenade, half right and left-forward and back all, forward and cross to face the next couple.
All balance, swing four hands-ladies chain-balance to partners and turn-right and left-all forward and back, forward and cross to face the next couple.
(See note above.)
All forward and back, swing the opposite-all balance to partners and turn-ladies chain-forward and back, forward and cross to face the next couple.
Balance all, and swing four-repeat through the dance.
Note
.—Form sets of eight to twelve, EVEN couples, in lines facing each other; lady at the right of partner.
The first and second couple (
the couple directly opposite
) down the centre four abreast, at the foot break to the right and left, up the centre four abreast, and break to the right and left-the
first
couple right and left with the
third
, and
second
couple the same with the
fourth
-first and third ladies chain, and second and fourth the same-then the first and second couple balance to each other, swing four.
The same four dance together down the whole set
.
Note
.—Form the sets as in “Tempest,” two couples only in each line.
Join hands and swing eight-head couple (
gent. and opposite lady
) down the centre, and foot couple up the outside, back to
Note
.—Form the sets, the first gent. on the right, his partner opposite; second gent. on the left, his partner opposite.
Ladies all forward and back, forward and join hands in the centre-gents, all forward and back, forward and join hands in the centre, facing partners-all balance and turn partners-first couple balance at the head, down the centre and remain at foot.
Note
.—Form as for Spanish Dance, each gent. with TWO partners.
Each gent. chassé to right with the opposite right-hand lady, back-chassé to left with left-hand lady, back-forward and back all, forward and cross to face the next three.
Note
.—Sets are formed by four couples, all facing the centre of the set. The “changes” are called by the conductor, as they occur to his fancy. The “FIRST TWO” signifies the first lady and opposite gent.; the “NEXT TWO” the second lady and opposite gent., and so on. The double daggar [‡] indicates the place where the “side couples” or “next two” commence the figure.
The words in
Italic
are to be called the
first time only
. When repeating from the double dagger [‡] call those in SMALL CAPITALS.
1. All address corners and partners-first four ‡ right and left-balance four and turn partners-ladies chain-half promenade, half right and left. Sides ‡
2. First four ‡ lead to the right, change partners, and chassé out-half chain across, half chain in line-half chain across, half chain in line-right and left-forward and back, and swing to places-all promenade. Sides ‡
3. First two ‡ right hands across, left hands back,
and swing between sides-forwardfirst two
), change places, forward and back again, and swing to places-ladies grand chain-all chassé.
Next two
. ‡ The same for 3d and 4th couples.
4. First four ‡ forward and back, half right and left-
sides
(FIRST FOUR) forward and back, half right and left-all chassé
change partners taking corner lady
-all promenade to
ladies' place in the set
. Sides ‡ (repeat from the first)-ladies grand chain-grand right and left-all promenade.
5. First four ‡ ladies chain-
side
(FIRST FOUR) ladies chain-all chassé-salute partners,
give right hand, grand right and left half round
-salute partners, and promenade to places-
first four
(SIDES) right and left-
sides
(FIRST FOUR) right and left-balance to partners,
give right hand, grand right and left half round
, salute partners and promenade to places. Sides ‡
1. Address corners and partners ‡-eight hands round-chain at corners-balance and turn partners-ladies grand chain-
first two
(NEXT TWO) forward and back, forward andleave lady
opposite-forward
three
and back, forward and turn to places-all promenade. Repeat from ‡ three times.
2. First ‡ couple lead to the right, balance and turn-ladies chain on the left-forward and back with opposite couple, half right and left. Second ‡ All chassé-half promenade to places. Repeat for 3d and 4th couples.
3. First ‡ lady balance to the right, and swing
three
hands round-two ladies balance to right, and swing
four
-three ladies balance to right and swing
five, one lady in centre-all
swing round centre lady, and turn partners to places-all chassé-all promenade. Second ‡ The same for 3d and 4th
4. First four ‡ lead to the right and chassé out-right and left-ladies forward and back, gents. forward and back-ladies forward and join hands in a line, gents. forward and join hands
opposite partners
-balance and turn to places-all promenade-ladies
moulinet
-give
right hands to partners, form star
, balance and turn partners-all promenade. Sides ‡
5. Eight hands round-ladies ‡ all balance to the right and turn-to next, and turn-to next-to partners-first couple promenade round the set, and face up the hall-second same, stand behind the first-third the same-fourth the same-face partners, first lady balance to partner and
turn whom she pleases-second lady the same-third the same-fourth the same-all forward and turn to places-all promenade-eight hands round. Gents. ‡
A VERY AMUSING DANCE FOR THE PARLOR.
Music—
a medley of contra dances, or reels
.
Note
.—Form sets of FOUR or any even number of couples, with a gentleman or lady in the centre designated the “Ninepin.” The prompter calls the changes as in other Cotillons, only there must be NO CROSSING the set.
Address corners and partners-all join hands and swing quite round-ladies forward and stop, gents. face out-Ninepin When “Ninepin” is called, all (including the Ninepin) select a NEW partner, the one left without takes the place of Ninepin. “All promenade” must immediately follow the call of “Ninepin” to fill out the time.some
one with the right hand,
another
with the left, and so on until they meet a favorite partner, when they call “Ninepin,” all promenade to seats.
Note
.—Form the same as for a Cotillon.
First four ‡ half promenade, half right and left-
Sides
(FIRST FOUR) half promenade, half right and left-four ladies
moulinet
-four gents.
moulinet
-ladies swing four hands half round, gents. the same-grand right and left-lock right arms with partners, swing quite round-left arms with next-right with next-left with partners. Sides ‡
Sets are formed similar to cotillons, with eight couples instead of four,-two first, two second, &c.,-and the changes are called the same, by the leader of the orchestra.
Couples form in a line, or in a circle around the hall, every two couples facing each other. In waltzing the gentleman should hold the lady by the right hand with his left, his right hand placed just above her waist, her left hand resting upon his arm just above the elbow. The arms should be kept in a rounded position preserving them without motion, which is the most graceful. All the beats should be clearly marked, being attentive to turn on the toes. Every turn in the
waltz
should be fully performed, so that in finishing, the waltzers will be opposite the side they were on when commencing, without which their course cannot be followed, causing confusion in the set.
Before
introducing a gentleman to a lady, ascertain whether such introduction would be agreeable to her. Never introduce a person for a waltz who is unacquainted with waltzing.
When a lady declines to dance with you, bear the declination with becoming grace, and if you afterwards see her dancing with another, seem not to notice it; otherwise, the lady is left with no choice of partners.
If a lady whose hand you solicit for a set be engaged, but promises afterwards to dance with you, be very careful to observe the promised time.
Never engage a lady to dance beyond the fourth set on her list, leaving it optional with her to engage or not;—a rule which may be aptly illustrated by the satirical remark of a fashionable
debutante
: “I can put you down, sir,” she observed, with an ironical smile, “for the thirteenth, but I shall only dance four more!”
A very absurd contention arises frequently in our ball-rooms for the leading
Dancers should take their places on the floor at the sound of the trumpet in the orchestra, or by the announcement of the master of ceremonies. Lead your partner gently through the dance—be graceful in all your dancing movements—be not ambitious of displaying your “steps,” lest you be taken for a stage artiste.
Ladies should avoid affectation, frowning, quizzing, or the slightest indication of ill-temper. Command the unlimited attention of your partners, but impose the task upon them in such a manner as to make it delightful rather than onerous.
A gentleman should never allow himself to lose his temper in a ball-room, nor
show
that he has taken offence at any supposed slight; it places him in a very disadvantageous position, betraying an absence of self-respect—or, at least of self-possession
Beaux of Oak Hill,
Beaux of Albany,
Belles of Damariscotta,
Boston Fancy,
California Reel,
Chase the Lady,
Chassard Hornpipe,
Cheat the Lady,
Chorus Jig,
Cincinnati Hornpipe,
College Hornpipe,
Cotillons,
Downfall of Paris,
Drunken Sailor,
Durand's Hornpipe,
Eight Hand Reel,
Favorite Rustic Reel,
Figure Eight,
Fisher's Hornpipe,
Fly,
Forest de Bondi,
Girls of Belfast,
Hard Times,
Hob or Knob,
Hull's Victory,
Humors of the Priesthouse,
Irish Washwoman,
Isle of Skye,
Ives' Hornpipe,
Jackson's Hornpipe,
Jefferson and Liberty,
Kentucky Reel,
Lady of the Lake,
Lady's Triumph,
Maid in the Pumproom,
Megunticook Reel,
Miss Brown's Reel,
Mischief,
Money Musk,
Morning Fair Hornpipe,
New Century Hornpipe,
Opera Reel,
Portland Fancy,
Partners All,
Reefer's Hornpipe,
Rickett's Hornpipe,
Roy's Wife,
Sackett's Harbor,
Sicilian Circle,
Soldier's Joy,
Speed the Plough,
Tempest,
The Girl I left behind me,
The Good Girl,
Thursday Night,
Twin Sisters,
Village Reel,
Virginia Reel,
Belfast Bookstore,
NOS. 27 & 29 MAIN ST.
H. G. O. WASHBURN,
DEALER IN
Books and Stationery,
ROOM PAPERS,
Combs, Brushes, Hair Oils Perfumes, Toilet Powders, Fancy Goods, &c., &c.
G. W. COTTRELL,
Publisher, Bookselle
STATIONER,
AND
VALENTINE DEALER,
36,
Cornhill,…Boston