Gathering Paescod

 

This is a dance with a verse and chorus structure, the chorus is complicated, but the verse changes each time (but is fortunately short). It reads worse than it is to do, once you've got the chorus down pat, then you've got a fairly long dance with lots of variety.

Needs an even number, you could just about do this with 4 people, but really 6-10 is the right number. Start in a circle, man/woman alternating.

Mostly a fairly vigorous dance, but the middle bit of the "sidings" should be slow and courtly.

Gathering Paescod



We'll do the chorus first, then the verses with chorus.

Chorus:

Men form a star by putting their right hands into the centre of the ring and stepping to the left.
Women do the same

Men do 3 steps in to the centre and jump and clap (and shout)
Women do 3 steps in to the centre and jump and clap
Men do 3 steps in to the centre and jump and clap - then turn to the left back to the circle.

Women do 3 steps in to the centre and jump and clap (and shout)
Men do 3 steps in to the centre and jump and clap
Women do 3 steps in to the centre and jump and clap - then turn to the left back to the circle.


Once you've got the crack of the chorus, then you can do the verse and chorus mix on the next page.


Verse 1:

7 steps to the left and turn around to the left (count 1,2…7 and tu-rn a-round)
7 steps to the right and turn around to the right

Chorus

Verse 2:

Sidings to the left
    Each couple faces each other, you walk to the left side of your partner (in other words so that your right shoulders are next to each other), stand on tiptoe, then walk back to your place. However, to get to the beat is a little more complicated as follows:
      Take 3 little steps, bring your feet together and pause.
      Stand on tiptoe together.
      Drop down to your flat feet again and pause
      Take 3 little steps back to your start position
      All this is done in a very slow and courtly style.
Sidings to the right
    (as above)

Do the chorus.

Verse 3:

Face your partner, grab both arms and swing each other round twice to the left
Then let go and turn around in your position to the left

Repeat this to the right

Chorus:

Hear the MIDI file

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