Barbary Bell

Source: Collected by Peter Kennedy; published in English Dance & Song, July 1950, Volume XV, No. 1
Formation: Longways; Duple Minor; Proper

A1 Hold Right Hands with Neighbour: Lines go Forward & Back
Men Arch: Cross Over - change places with Neighbour, #1s twirling under
A2 Repeat with Ladies making the Arch
B1 #1s Lead Down, Turn Alone, Lead Up and Cast Down one place - #2s Move Up
B2 Swing & Change: Dance around the other couple AC


Barbary Bell - CDM version

Source: published in Community Dances Manual 3 (1952)
Formation: Longways; Duple Minor; Proper

A1 Hold Nearest Hands with Neighbour: Lines go Forward & Back
Men Arch: Cross Over
A2 Repeat with Ladies making the Arch
B1 #1s Lead Down, Turn Alone, Lead Up to Place
B2 Swing & Change: Dance around the other couple once and a half AC

Music:
Own tune or any 32-bar jig.

Notes:
The CDM version was simplified, with the original twirling to swap places added in brackets.

The CDM reprint reverted to the original A1/A2, but with the revised B1/B2. However they also changed it so that #2 man does the twirling under.

See Corn Rigs for details of the Northumbrian dance style.


Original page from English Dance & Song, July 1950


Barbary Bell

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