The Russian Ballet
The Progressive Three Reel

Source: Traditional, researched by Roy Dommett; published in English Dance & Song, Summer/Autumn 1982 Volume 44 Number 2
Formation: Trios (Lady, Man, Lady) facing AC around the room

Music:
Any suitable 32 bar tune. The CDMs give a tune called "Russian Cavalry"; the "Folk" magazine gives a tune called "The Russian Ballet", which appears to be a variant of that.

Notes:
This dance was published in the Community Dances Manual 3 in 1952. There its name was given as "The Progressive Three Reel". The old Three Reels involved stepping on the spot plus Heys. This dance adds more figures and has the men progressing on to new ladies each time through the dance. It was apparently popular at Holiday Camps, since it was also known as "Butlin's Ballet".

Right Hand High & Left Hand Low: Hold hands in a line of three. The Left Hand Lady goes through the Arch and back to place - the Man follows - the other Lady can twirl through the Arch as well.
Left Hand High & Right Hand Low: The Right Hand Lady goes through the Arch and back to place - the Man follows - the other Lady can twirl through the Arch as well

Farnborough Version: The article says that B1 is repeated. This will be challenging as described. There is more chance of success if both ladies start moving at the same time and Dip 'n' Dive around the man; the man only does half turns through the arches. The ladies should not try to twirl under their own arch; there isn't time. I don't usually encourage that anyway.

While the various manuals just say "kick high", it is normal to step onto the other foot each time before the kick, and to bounce on it unless you are going for significant height!

The various versions allow different lengths of time for the kissing; the "Dance On!" version only provides two beats for each kiss! The Community Dances Manual turns the kiss into a bow!

Original page from English Dance & Song, Summer/Autumn 1982