The Comet

Source: Kathryn and David Wright; published in English Dance & Song, Spring 1986 Volume 48 Number 1
Formation: Longways; Proper

A1	Face Partner: Foot It (8) Two Changes of Rights & Lefts - Start Right with Partner
A2	Face Neighbour: Foot It (8) Two Changes of Rights & Lefts - Start Right with Neighbour
B1	#1s Partner Set; Cast Down One Place - #2s Lead Up All: Partner Two Hand Turn
B2	#1s Full Figure Eight Up

Music:

Notes:
Kathryn and David offer some ideas for footwork in the article below; Colin Hume has an article on how to "Foot It".

After the Two Changes starting with your Neighbour, you will be facing out of the set. While Kathryn and David have added a Set at the point to fill out the music, I would probably suggest going straight into the Cast, as in the original. This would mean that after pulling by with your partner you just fly straight ahead out of the set, possibly like a comet. Unless you do a very wide Cast (and there is nothing wrong with that) you would have too much time for a single two-hand turn; I would refer to the pre-1650 Lovelace Manuscript "every man shall turne his mayde as long as he please... then all men and woemen turne round as before as fast as they can" and go for a nice long symmetrical swing.

Original page from English Dance & Song, Spring 1986

Back to Dance Index

I'd love to hear from you if you know anything more about this dance, its composer, its style, or its history.

Feedback is very welcome on any aspect of these dances or Web pages.

Please contact John Sweeney with your comments.